Mercy Hospital Southeast earns national “Best Maternity Hospital” recognition

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) — Mercy Hospital Southeast has been named to Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Maternity Hospitals for 2026, the only hospital in southeast Missouri to receive the designation.

The annual ranking, compiled by Newsweek and Statista, evaluates hospitals based on quality metrics, patient experience and recommendations from health care professionals, including physicians, nurses and midwives.

Hospital officials said the recognition highlights the level of care provided to mothers and newborns at the Mercy Birthplace in Cape Girardeau, which offers services before, during and after childbirth.

Mercy Hospital Southeast was one of several Mercy facilities across multiple states included on the list. Officials said the health system had more hospitals recognized than any other system in those states.

The Mercy Birthplace – Cape Girardeau includes private labor, delivery and recovery rooms, a neonatal intensive care unit and a range of maternal health services, including lactation support and childbirth education.

Officials said the designation reflects the hospital’s commitment to providing high-quality maternity care.