Fort Smith's only obstetrics unit to close by April 2026
Baptist Health-Fort Smith will close its obstetrics department in April 2026. The decision comes after a sharp decline in births at the facility over the past five years. Hospital leaders now plan to redirect resources to other community needs. Deliveries at Baptist Health-Fort Smith have fallen steadily since 2019. Monthly births dropped from 92 to just 20 in recent months. Officials described the programme as no longer sustainable under current conditions.
The hospital has long provided care for mothers and newborns in the region. But with fewer births, the board has chosen to reallocate funds. No other maternity clinics or obstetrics services appear available in the surrounding area. The obstetrics unit will officially shut on 28 April 2026. After that date, expectant mothers will need to seek care elsewhere. The hospital has not yet detailed alternative arrangements for local families.
The closure leaves Fort Smith without a dedicated obstetrics provider. Pregnant women in the region will face longer travel times for prenatal and delivery services. The hospital's board will now assess where to invest the freed-up resources.
