Birth Center

To help prevent more pregnant women from dying, the Pritzker administration promised that private insurers would cover the cost of doulas to support families. But in many cases, they’re turned away or forced to pay thousands out of pocket.

Expectant parents in Bloomington-Normal are lucky. Some communities in Illinois have lost their baby unit at their local hospital, forcing a long drive at an … inopportune time.

Bloomington-Normal hospitals have delivered 6% fewer babies this year as the pandemic fuels a baby bust.

Some areas of the country have had declines in pregnancy rates because people don't feel secure economically or otherwise. But Bloomington-Normal may see…