Temple Health has officially opened the Temple Women & Families Hospital in Philadelphia, marking a significant change for maternal and family health services in the region. The new hospital, which now houses Labor & Delivery services previously located at Temple University Hospital–Main Campus, is dedicated exclusively to women’s health and family care.
Abhi Rastogi, MBA, MIS, COO and EVP of Temple Health, addressed attendees at the ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 12th: “This is a turning point for maternal and newborn healthcare in Philadelphia and beyond.” The event drew elected officials, philanthropic partners, community members, leaders from Temple University, and staff from Temple Health.
The facility features modern birthing suites designed for families, one of the largest neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in the area, and integrated behavioral health services. According to Michael A. Young, MHA, FACHE, President & CEO of Temple Health: “We believe everyone deserves a safe, healthy birth no matter where you live, and that just didn’t happen in Philadelphia. But it does now—thanks to Temple Women & Families Hospital. Temple found a way to address a problem others couldn’t.”
Philadelphia faces one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the United States—27.4 deaths per 100,000 live births—and has seen most maternity units close since 1997. Fourteen out of nineteen such units have shut down during this period. The new hospital aims to reverse these trends by expanding access to high-quality care where it is needed most.
John Fry, President of Temple University stated: “This facility illustrates the critical role that our health system occupies, alongside our university, as two of Philadelphia’s most important anchor institutions providing support and stability to our community.”
Speakers at the opening described how this hospital could serve as a national model for maternity care. Pennsylvania’s First Lady Lori Shapiro said: “Temple is a great example of a health system working to change things by offering comprehensive maternal healthcare to a region that hasn’t always had access to it… You’re doing incredibly important work here—and showing the rest of the nation what quality maternal care should look like.”
Governor Josh Shapiro and other state and federal officials have supported this initiative along with city government representatives. Philanthropic organizations such as The Percival Roberts Jr. Trust and William Penn Foundation contributed funding essential for capital improvements.
Visitors touring the facility learned about several initiatives including Perinatal Community Health Workers who support mothers through high-risk pregnancies up until one year after birth; an app called LENA developed by Temple Health’s IT team which helps mothers stay connected with their care plans; and behavioral health integration ensuring depression or anxiety are identified as part of prenatal or postpartum care.
Rastogi described the broader mission: “Temple Women & Families is more than a hospital… It’s a blueprint for what equitable outcome-driven maternal care can look like in cities across the country. We believe that people should expect more from healthcare. It takes Temple Health to lead that charge—starting right here.”
State Senator Christine Tartaglione emphasized: “Temple Women & Families Hospital represents hope compassion and progress… Today we celebrate not only a new hospital but a commitment to equity dignity and the health of every woman and family in Philadelphia.”
Carlyn Crowley Chief of Staff for City Councilmember Quetcy Lozada added: “To know that a hospital like this is here—and specifically run by Temple—is very comforting because I know that Pennsylvania’s women and children are in good hands.” Nakaja Weaver Legislative Assistant for Councilmember Dr Nina Ahmad also commented on equity stating: “In Philadelphia zip code should never determine your quality of care or whether you survive childbirth… This new chapter at Temple Health aligns with that mission ensuring women—including women of color—receive dignity respect they deserve…”
Radio host Roxy Romeo recounted her personal experience delivering her premature daughter at Temple who spent 93 days in NICU: “As a mom who knows the importance of high-level maternity and family care I’ll always be cheerleader for Temple Health…Temple Women & Families Hospital is going be game-changer for Philadelphia families.”
The event concluded with North Philadelphia artist Moneek Pines-Elliot unveiling an art piece depicting mother-and-baby embrace intended as welcome artwork above reception desk.
