Nevada continues to be an important case study in the rapidly changing landscape of health care and the impacts of federal policy, including the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Henderson Hospital recently announced that it will end both maternity and neonatal intensive care (NICU) services around September 30, 2026. This is happening in Henderson, Nevada’s second-largest city and one of the fastest-growing communities in our state.

The loss of maternity care is not new to Nevada. More than one-third of U.S. counties are maternity care deserts, including Nye and Esmeralda Counties according the the March of Dimes. In fact, nine of nineteenth counties in Nevada already lack access to obstetric clinician and hospitals with a maternity ward. When these services disappear and families are forced to travel farther to give birth. But the Henderson announcement brings this challenge directly into one of Nevada’s largest metropolitan communities. Families in Henderson and Boulder City, and surrounding communities.

Nevada continues to face serious challenges around access to maternal health care, provider shortages, hospital capacity, and the availability of services for pregnant and postpartum Nevadans. Now, we are also watching maternity infrastructure disappear from communities.

The question we must ask is: What does that combination mean for equitable access to care?

During a recent Interim Legislative Committee meeting, maternal health emerged as a significant issue heading into the 2027 Legislative Session. Lawmakers are considering a maternal-health “momnibus” package that could bring together several pregnancy and postpartum protections rather than addressing them through separate pieces of legislation.

At the same time, another important issue remains unresolved: how Nevada adequately funds its child welfare system.

These conversations cannot happen in isolation.

Supporting children and families begins long before a family enters the child welfare system. It includes prenatal care, safe childbirth, postpartum support, access to health insurance, mental and behavioral health services, affordable housing, food security, and strong communities.

As people of faith, we believe health care is not simply another commodity. Access to quality care is connected to human dignity and our shared responsibility to care for our neighbors, particularly those who are most vulnerable.

As Nevada prepares for the 2027 Legislative Session, Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada will continue paying attention to maternal health, Medicaid, hospital capacity, child welfare, and the impacts of changing federal policy on the systems our neighbors depend upon.

Because the question is not simply whether Nevada can pass new protections. The question is whether we are willing to build and fund a system where every Nevada family has meaningful access to the care they need.