ELK GROVE VILLAGE, Ill. (WLS) — Ascension Alexian Brothers Hospital may be one step closer to closing its labor and delivery unit.

It’s just the latest service to be eliminated at the suburban community hospital.

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The plan is to close the maternity ward at Ascension Alexian Brothers Medical Center.

Hospital officials on Biesterfield Road in the northwest suburban area of Elk Grove Village have announced plans to close their 28-bed inpatient obstetrics department. These services, including childbirth, will be relocated to their associated hospital, Ascension Saint Alexius Medical Center, just a few miles away in Hoffman Estates.

The hospital’s owner, Ascension Illinois, first announced the move July 1.

The hospital’s CEO shared a statement on their website highlighting that creating centers of excellence is now considered the best practice. He mentioned, “Community hospitals can no longer offer every service to all patients while ensuring the high-quality outcomes we, and our patients, expect.”

The hospital group says it has already transitioned other services, like orthopedics, cardiovascular surgery and neurosurgery.

This change requires the approval of the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board, as they are responsible for authorizing any hospital’s request to eliminate a service.

The Elk Grove Village Board is also considering sending a formal objection letter to the state oversight board. Opponents of the plan have until the 29th of this month to request a public hearing before the state panel.

Dr. Virginia Caine, president of the National Medical Association, the oldest and largest organization representing African American physicians, says the closure could not only have an impact especially on Black and brown populations, but worsen already existing health disparities.

“A lot of hospitals sometimes are operating in the margins. So, it’s very difficult if you are losing resources in order to provide those services. It makes it difficult to provide high-quality care,” Caine said.

Hospital administrators say gynecology and outpatient obstetric care, including diagnostic imaging will continue to be offered at both hospitals.

Emergency deliveries will continue at Ascension Alexian Brothers per federal rules, along with transport to the neonatal intensive care unit at the sister hospital.

Ascension Illinois is not the only hospital owner contemplating a transition.

Earlier this year, several other hospital groups announced closures or reduction in services.

The maternity ward is expected to close on Sept. 30.

Ascension Illinois officials are holding a community forum to talk about the proposed transition. It’s scheduled for Saturday at the Elk Grove Village Library.