Atlantic Health maternity centers earn national high-performing designation from U.S. News; Newton also recognized for care access

Atlantic Health’s Morristown, Overlook, Chilton and Newton medical centers have been recognized as 2026 High Performing in Maternity Care (Uncomplicated Pregnancy) by U.S. News & World Report, the highest designation awarded in the publication’s annual Best Hospitals for Maternity Care ratings. Newton Medical Center was additionally named a 2026 Maternity Care Access Hospital for the third consecutive year.

U.S. News began evaluating maternity hospitals in 2021, assessing facilities that provide labor and delivery services and voluntarily submit detailed performance data. For the 2026 rankings, about 900 hospitals nationwide participated. The ratings are intended to help expectant parents make informed decisions about where to seek maternity care in consultation with their providers.

Atlantic Health’s four recognized hospitals earned their High Performing status based on measures such as C-section rates among lower-risk pregnancies, severe unexpected newborn complication rates, exclusive breastfeeding rates, and birthing-friendly practices.

“We are honored to earn this national recognition once again at four of Atlantic Health’s maternity centers,” said Scott Leighty, executive vice president and chief health system officer for Atlantic Health. “This consistent distinction is a reflection of the trust families place in our physicians and maternity teams whose top priority is to provide high-quality care and a patient-centered experience to expectant parents.”

Newton Medical Center’s Maternity Care Access Hospital designation recognizes essential hospitals that serve communities at risk of losing maternity services and becoming “maternity care deserts.” Of the roughly 900 hospitals evaluated, only 147 — about 16% — received access-hospital status for 2026.

“Hospitals designated as a U.S. News Best Hospital for Maternity Care are national leaders. This recognition means they are consistently hitting crucial patient safety benchmarks compared to other hospitals,” said Jennifer Winston, Ph.D., a health data scientist at U.S. News. “It’s a clear signal to expectant parents about where the highest standards of care are being practiced – when parents see this designation, they can be assured they are choosing a hospital dedicated to exceptional, evidence-based maternity care.”