Demise of maternity wards is inducing . . . The Baby Scramble

Ten years ago, 19 hospitals in Philadelphia were in the business of delivering babies. Next month, only eight will remain. Blaming financial losses and a deluge of patients who previously might have gone to other, now-defunct maternity wards, Jeanes Hospital is closing its obstetrics unit May 31. Chestnut Hill Hospital is reviewing its obstetrics program as well and has not ruled out closure.