Holland Reporter

The recent decision by Aspirus Health, a Wisconsin-based healthcare provider, to end OB/GYN services at its Ironwood facility has prompted strong criticism from Upper Peninsula legislators. The announcement came without prior notice to local officials or the community.

“It’s totally outrageous that they spring this on the community and on a Friday just to take the heat off of them for a weekend,” said Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Waucedah Township. “No one called or gave notice to any of us about this before it happened. This is now the second time they have sprung such a huge surprise on the U.P., along with other recent changes and failing to use the money from the state, undermining any credibility to their claims of caring about the future of our communities. The U.P.—bigger than at least six states—is left with six places to have a baby other than your home or car.”

This move follows previous closures by Aspirus Health in the region, including shutting down its Ontonagon facility in 2023 and ending OB/GYN services at another Keweenaw location. Additionally, most certified nursing assistants were laid off at its Iron River clinic.

“Last time, Aspirus lied to my face about Ontonagon being closed a few days later,” said Rep. Greg Markkanen, R-Hancock. “This time, it was crickets from them about even needing help — something so many other, responsible businesses, schools and hospitals do. This closure is a betrayal of the people in my district by a company that has promised to provide services to them and received state dollars to do so.”

Following the closure of Ontonagon’s hospital last year, McBroom and Markkanen secured over $1 million in state funds intended for OB/GYN services at Ironwood. According to lawmakers, these funds remain unused by Aspirus Health. As a result, residents across Ontonagon, Gogebic and Iron counties now face long travel distances—sometimes exceeding two hours—to access maternity care.

“This is a very bitter pill to swallow,” said Rep. Dave Prestin, R-Cedar River. “The west end of the U.P. continues to suffer from the carelessness and neglect of the state, and now a hospital that makes promises to the community but fails to deliver. The providers and governor asked for Medicaid expansion but now blame the program for their inability to succeed and demand more funding from taxpayers.”

Rep. Karl Bohnak, R-Marquette added: “The people of the U.P. are determined to stay and strengthen their communities. We are all committed to finding a solution to this latest blow by helping the communities of the west end grow and prosper again so that such closures and betrayals are a thing of the past.”