Two Beacon Health System hospitals named to Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Maternity Hospitals 2026

Elkhart General Hospital and Memorial Hospital of South Bend have been named to Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Maternity Hospitals 2026, recognizing the hospitals for exceptional care of mothers and babies throughout pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period.

The annual ranking, developed by Newsweek and Statista, recognizes leading U.S. hospitals for high-quality maternity care that plays a critical role in supporting the long-term health and well-being of both newborns and mothers.

Beacon Health System is the only northern Indiana health system to have two hospitals recognized on this year’s list. For families in the region, the distinction offers independent confirmation that Elkhart General and Memorial Hospital meet a national standard for maternity care.

Each year, Elkhart General welcomes over 1,200 babies and cares for an estimated 90 babies annually in its Level II NICU. Memorial Hospital delivers nearly 2,500 babies each year and its Level III NICU cares for about 425 babies annually. Their multidisciplinary teams provide evidence-based care, advanced clinical expertise and individualized support for mothers and babies before, during and after delivery. Newsweek’s recognition reflects the dedication and expertise of their obstetric and neonatal teams.

“We’re incredibly proud to be recognized among America’s Best Maternity Hospitals,” said Lisa Blouin, MSN, RN, Elkhart General Hospital director of patient care services and women’s and children’s services. “We are especially grateful for our colleagues who show up every day to provide compassionate support and expert guidance, helping patients and families achieve the best possible outcomes while respecting and honoring their birth choices.”

At Memorial Hospital and Beacon Children’s Hospital, the national recognition underscores the impact of a collaborative approach that puts the needs of patients and families at the center of care, said Jen Tonkovich, RN, BSN, MHA, CPN, Memorial Hospital director of women’s and children’s services.

“Being recognized among Newsweek’s America’s Best Maternity Hospitals reflects the skill and heart of our physicians, midwives, nurses and care teams,” Tonkovich said. “Every day, they work tirelessly to deliver the highest quality outcomes while creating a personalized experience that supports families during one of life’s most important moments. We are honored to receive this recognition and grateful for the extraordinary people who make it possible.”

America’s Best Maternity Hospitals 2026 recognizes leading U.S. hospitals for maternity care based on:

• Hospital Quality Metrics: Indicators relevant to maternity care.
• Patient Experience: Public hospital survey data.
• Reputation Score: Recommendations from healthcare professionals and hospital leaders familiar with maternity care processes, including neonatal and perinatal physicians, nurses and midwives.

The complete America’s Best Maternity Hospitals 2026 ranking is available on Newsweek.com.