Sanford Luverne to halt inpatient labor and delivery, newborn care

Sanford Health will discontinue inpatient labor and delivery and inpatient newborn care at Sanford Luverne, effective April 27.

The decision was made by local physicians in response to declining delivery volumes and changing patient preferences, according to an Oct. 28 Sanford Health news release. Sanford Luverne will continue providing prenatal care, postpartum care and emergency labor and delivery services.

Delivery volumes in Luverne have declined by more than 40% over the past decade. The hospital has recorded 41 births year to date, compared with 82 at the same time last year, according to the release.

Patients will have access to inpatient labor and delivery services at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, and Sanford Worthington Medical Center, located 28 miles and 31 miles from Luverne, respectively. Sanford Worthington recorded 325 deliveries over the past year, while Sanford USD Medical Center delivered 3,413 babies in 2025.

In 2025, more than half of Luverne-area families chose to deliver at other hospitals. In 2026, two-thirds have chosen facilities in Sioux Falls or elsewhere in the region, according to the release.

A public hearing to discuss the impact of the move has yet to be scheduled but is required.

Sanford Luverne will continue offering family medicine, cancer care, emergency care and specialty services. Local teams will help patients coordinate delivery plans, appointments and medical records with nearby facilities.