"This isn't just about one hospital department. It's about access to health care for families across the North Country.  Many expectant mothers would have to travel much further to give birth and in emergencies every minute matters"”

Congressional Candidate Blake Gendebien

BY JIMMY LAWTONNorth Country This Week

North Star Health Alliance CEO Andy Manzer says a steady decline in births, more than $3 million in annual operating losses and the need to preserve the long-term stability of the health system are driving the decision to pursue closure of Labor and Delivery services at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center.

On Tuesday officials announced plans to seek permission from the state to terminate the service.

 The decision has spiked outrage from the New York Nurses Association, local leaders and members of the general public.

“Our demand throughout this bankruptcy is that the hospital cuts waste and mismanagement and saves essential healthcare services,” a statement from the union said.

Democratic Congressional candidate Blake Gendebien released a message on social media warning that the impacts of closing the birthing center would be far reaching.

"This isn't just about one hospital department. It's about access to health care for families across the North Country.  Many expectant mothers would have to travel much further to give birth and in emergencies every minute matters," he said.

In responses to questions from North Country Now, Manzer offered additional insight into the proposal, addressing concerns over patient safety, emergency births, transportation barriers, the public review process and the role the New York State Department of Health will play before any final decision is made.

Service in Decline

According to Manzer, deliveries at Claxton-Hepburn have steadily declined over the past several years as birth rates have fallen and regional obstetrical care patterns have shifted. The hospital recorded 139 deliveries in 2023, 127 in 2024 and 106 in 2025. Through the first six months of 2026, just 52 babies have been delivered at the hospital.

At the same time, the Labor and Delivery program has continued to lose money. Manzer said the unit is operating at an estimated annual loss of more than $3 million because of declining patient volumes and the expense of maintaining a full-service obstetrical department 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"While financial performance was an important consideration, it was only one of several factors that informed this decision," Manzer said. "Ultimately, we have a responsibility to make difficult decisions that strengthen the long-term stability of the health system as a whole."

The proposal comes as North Star Health Alliance continues through Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings while restructuring the organization.

One of the biggest concerns raised following the announcement has centered on access to maternity care in Ogdensburg, where many residents face economic hardship and transportation challenges.

Impact on families

Ogdensburg’s more urban nature means many of its residents have less access to transportation than other parts of the county. Employees who spoke with North Country This Week said there are also a number of emergency births that take place at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Campus. They say ending the service will create a dangerous situation for mothers and children as the next nearest birthing center is 30 miles away.

Asked whether the loss of Labor and Delivery services could contribute to higher infant mortality rates or force more women to give birth in Claxton-Hepburn's Emergency Department, Manzer said the health system has developed an individualized transition process designed to avoid those outcomes.

He said every expectant mother currently receiving care through the Claxton-Hepburn Women's Health Clinic will receive a personalized health needs assessment and transition plan. The hospital will work with each patient to identify transportation needs and other barriers that could affect access to care before delivery.

"We believe this individualized approach will help ensure patients understand where they should receive care well before delivery," Manzer said, adding that North Star does not anticipate an increase in emergency department deliveries.

Even after Labor and Delivery closes, the Emergency Department will continue treating patients who arrive with obstetrical emergencies.

To prepare for those situations, Manzer said emergency department staff will undergo additional obstetrical education, competency validation and simulation training. The hospital is also reviewing emergency equipment and supplies while working with local emergency medical services to develop transportation and emergency response plans.

Public opinion matters

The Labor and Delivery department currently employs 10 staff members. While North Star has not yet outlined staffing plans, Manzer said the health system will work with affected employees as transition planning continues.

Residents will have an opportunity to voice concerns before any closure is approved.

Although a date has not yet been announced, Manzer said North Star expects to release details on the required public hearing by the end of the week, including information on when it will be held and how community members can participate.

In the meantime, patients with questions about their own pregnancies are being directed to contact the Claxton-Hepburn Women's Health Clinic.

The proposal cannot move forward without approval from the New York State Department of Health.

Manzer said North Star is working closely with state officials to complete a closure plan that addresses all regulatory and public health requirements. The process includes the public hearing, coordination with regional hospitals and obstetrical providers to accommodate additional deliveries, planning with EMS agencies and completion of individualized transition plans for every expectant mother currently receiving care through the program.

Once the final plan is submitted, the Department of Health will conduct what Manzer described as a comprehensive review before issuing a decision. He said the review is expected to take no less than 90 days.

Throughout that process, Labor and Delivery services at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center will remain open, and patients are encouraged to continue attending scheduled appointments and following their existing care plans.