Celebrating excellence in childbirth care: 2025 OBI awards

MARQUETTE, Mich. (Dec. 1, 2025) — UP Health System – Marquette (UPHS – Marquette) has been recognized with the 2025 Safely Averting NTSV Cesareans Award as part of the 2025 Obstetric Initiative (OBI) Awards, honoring hospitals that have successfully reduced first-time, low-risk cesarean deliveries while maintaining excellent maternal outcomes.

UPHS – Marquette was recognized in the low-volume hospital category, safely averting 11 NTSV (nulliparous, term, singleton, vertex) cesarean births since January 2025. 

The award recognizes hospitals that exemplify excellence in childbirth care through evidence-based practices, collaboration and a commitment to improving outcomes for mothers and babies across Michigan.

“This recognition reflects our team’s unwavering commitment to providing safe, high-quality care for women and families in our community,” said Meg McConnell, CNO of UPHS – Marquette. “Our labor and delivery team works tirelessly to support healthy births while ensuring every patient feels supported, informed and respected throughout the process.”

The Safely Averting NTSV Cesareans Award highlights the collaborative efforts of the UPHS – Marquette labor and delivery team, including physicians, nurses, care aides and unit clerks, who focus on reducing unnecessary interventions while prioritizing patient safety.

“It’s truly a privilege to support women through the labor and delivery process,” said Jane Ward, RN, director of the Family Birthing Center at UPHS – Marquette. “This award affirms that we are creating a safe, supportive environment where families can confidently welcome new life.”

The Family Birthing Center at UPHS – Marquette provides 24/7 obstetrical care for expectant families, including those with high-risk pregnancies. The center is home to the Upper Peninsula’s only neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), which specializes in the care of ill or premature newborns. The NICU is located adjacent to the Family Birthing Center, allowing families to remain close if specialized care is needed after birth.

To learn more about the 2025 OBI Awards and recognized hospitals, visit obstetricsinitiative.org/celebrating-excellence-in-childbirth-care-2025-obi-awards.