WILLIAMSPORT — U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in hospital rankings and consumer advice, has named The Birthplace at UPMC Williamsport, part of the UPMC Magee-Womens network, as a 2026 Maternity Care Access Hospital.

This designation recognizes hospitals offering essential maternity services to underserved communities and is also part of the U.S. News’ Best Hospitals for Maternity Care ratings. These ratings are intended to assist expectant parents, in consultation with their prenatal care providers, in making informed decisions about where to receive maternity services that best meet their family’s needs.

“Welcoming a new life is an extraordinary moment, and we are honored to provide families with care that is both compassionate and safe,” said Patti Jackson-Gehris, market president, UPMC North Central Pa. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our physicians, certified nurse midwives, nurses and staff from across our region who are committed to the highest standards of quality while creating a supportive, reassuring environment for parents and babies. We are proud to be trusted with these life-changing experiences.”

Now in its third year, the Maternity Care Access Hospital designation recognizes essential hospitals serving communities that would otherwise be in danger of becoming maternity care deserts if they were to stop providing crucial maternity care services.

“UPMC Magee women’s health service line, in collaboration with our exceptional regional clinical teams, has successfully extended Magee’s renowned standards of women’s health throughout the UPMC system,” said Robert Edwards, MD, chair of OB/GYN, UPMC Magee-Womens.

U.S. News evaluated approximately 900 hospitals nationwide for the 2026 ratings, and just 147 hospitals — or 16% of all evaluated hospitals — have been designated as Maternity Care Access Hospitals. Hospitals were evaluated based on detailed data submitted to U.S. News via the annual Maternity Services Survey. Alongside UPMC Williamsport, six other UPMC hospitals earned the Maternity Care Access designation.

The U.S. News Best Hospitals for Maternity Care methodology is based entirely on objective measures of quality, such as C-section rates in lower-risk pregnancies, severe unexpected newborn complication rates, exclusive breast milk feeding rates and birthing-friendly practices, among other measures.

To learn more about UPMC Magee-Womens services in northcentral Pennsylvania, visit UPMC.com/CaresForWomen.