UP Health System – Marquette earns statewide recognition for sustaining low cesarean birth rates

UP Health System – Marquette (UPHS – Marquette) has been recognized by the Obstetrics Initiative (OBI) for its continued commitment to safely reducing cesarean births and improving outcomes for mothers and babies. 

The hospital received the 2026 NTSV Cesarean Quality & Sustainability Award at OBI’s Fall Semiannual Meeting. The award recognizes hospitals that have safely sustained low cesarean rates since 2025, reflecting excellence in quality improvement, patient safety and evidence-based care. UPHS – Marquette was recognized as a low-volume winner, with a 2026 year-to-date cesarean rate 5.5% below its expected rate. 

NTSV stands for nulliparous, term, singleton, vertex and describes patients giving birth for the first time who are carrying one baby at full term in a head-down position. Safely reducing cesarean births among this population can help avoid unnecessary surgery and associated risks while supporting positive outcomes for mothers and babies. 

UPHS – Marquette was also recognized by OBI in 2025 for safely reducing cesarean births among first-time, low-risk mothers. This year’s award recognizes the team’s continued efforts to build on that success and sustain those improvements. 

“Our team works together every day to provide safe, individualized care and support each patient throughout their birth experience,” said Jane Ward, director of the Family Birthing Center and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at UPHS – Marquette. “Sustaining these results takes a continued commitment from everyone involved in a patient’s care. We are proud of what our team has accomplished and, most importantly, what these efforts mean for the mothers, babies and families who trust us with their care.” 

The achievement reflects the dedication and collaboration of the entire labor and delivery team, including physicians, nurses, care aides, unit clerks and other staff who work together to provide safe, high-quality maternity care. 

The Family Birthing Center at UPHS – Marquette provides 24/7 obstetrical care for expectant families, including those experiencing high-risk pregnancies. The center is also home to the Upper Peninsula’s only NICU, providing specialized care for newborns who need additional support. 

To learn more about the Family Birthing Center at UPHS – Marquette, visit uphealthsystem.com/labor-delivery/marquette-birthing-center.