LANSING — Four Upper Peninsula legislators reacted with “frustration and anger” Monday to Wisconsin-based Aspirus Health’s decision to cease birthing services at its Ironwood facility in Gogebic County at the end of the year.

In making the announcement Friday, Aspirus stated that “persistent national and regional OB/GYN shortages were a driving factor in the decision.” It said Aspirus Ironwood Hospital and Clinics will “transition” maternal care to “a new model that ends labor and delivery on Dec. 31, while continuing high-quality prenatal and postnatal care for local families.”

The Wausau, Wis.- based Aspirus added in the news release that fewer than 40% of rural hospitals nationwide now perform routine deliveries, citing declining volumes, workforce shortages and quality concerns.

“It

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