NKC Health celebrates Newsweek award for excellence in Maternity Care

April 23, 2026
Newsweek Maternity

NKC Health is honored to announce that it earned a spot on Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Maternity Hospitals for the third time in a row. This award recognizes the top 460 hospitals in the United States that provide exceptional maternity care, supporting patients through pregnancy, delivery and the postpartum journey. 

“The need for high-quality maternity care continues to grow in the Northland,” said Stephen Reintjes Sr., MD, president and CEO of NKC Health. “I am incredibly proud of the dedicated team that answers this call for our community. Each person is deeply committed to providing the best birthing experience for every family we serve.” 

Newsweek and Statista, a data and business intelligence portal, compile this list using hospital quality data, patient experience results and surveys from healthcare professionals and hospital managers knowledgeable about maternity care. Institutions are divided into two performance categories based on their scores: five-ribbon and four-ribbon. NKC Health received a four-ribbon designation in 2022, 2024, 2025 and 2026.

“To receive this honor year after year is extremely meaningful,” said Catherine Bonderer, MSN, MBA, RNC-OB, NE-BC, senior director of Maternal Child Health at NKC Health. “It reflects the devotion of the team that makes it possible and their unwavering commitment to excellence."

In December, NKC Health was named to U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best Hospitals for Maternity Care (Uncomplicated Pregnancy), with a scorecard rating the health system as excellent at minimizing avoidable C-sections. NKC Health also earned Birthing-Friendly recognition because of its commitment to improving maternal outcomes. 

For more information, visit America’s Best Maternity Hospitals 2026.

About NKC Health

For nearly 70 years, NKC Health, formerly known as North Kansas City Hospital and Meritas Health, has worked to improve the health and well-being of patients and families across our region. As NKC Health, we keep that promise every day by bringing innovative, comprehensive care that’s always delivered with kindness. With more than 4,700 staff members — including over 600 dedicated physicians — along with specialists and caregivers across 35 locations and counting, we offer everything you need to live your healthiest life. We can’t wait to welcome you.