U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in hospital rankings and consumer advice, has named Cape Fear Valley Health as a 2026 Maternity Care Access Hospital.

This designation recognizes hospitals that provide essential maternity services to underserved communities. It is part of U.S. News’ Best Hospitals for Maternity Care ratings, created to help expectant parents make informed decisions about where to receive safe, reliable maternity care. Now in its third year, the Maternity Care Access Hospital designation honors hospitals serving communities that could become maternity care deserts if these essential services were no longer available.

U.S. News evaluated approximately 900 hospitals nationwide for the 2026 ratings, and only 147 hospitals earned the Maternity Care Access Hospital designation. Hospitals were assessed using detailed data submitted through the annual U.S. News Maternity Services Survey.

“We are honored to receive this recognition from U.S. News & World Report,” said Mike Nagowski, CEO of Cape Fear Valley Health, in a press release. “Maternity care is one of the most meaningful services we provide to families in our region. This designation reflects the dedication of our physicians, nurses and staff who work every day to ensure mothers and babies receive safe, compassionate and high-quality care close to home.”

“The Maternity Care Access Hospital designation is a crucial acknowledgement of hospitals that deliver high-quality maternity care in underserved areas,” said Jennifer Winston, health data scientist at U.S. News, in a press release. “These 147 hospitals are essential. They meet U.S. News’ strict quality measures for safety and outcomes while simultaneously ensuring that geographical isolation does not prevent families from receiving the care they need.”

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