Denmark’s acclaimed “Known Midwife” program is collapsing across Central Jutland, leaving expectant mothers without the continuity of care that once defined the region’s maternity services.
Popular maternity program cut across Central Jutland
The Danish healthcare system has long been known for its high-quality maternal care. Yet, the DR reports that the “Known Midwife” program — once hailed as a political success — lies in ruins across the Region of Central Jutland.
In 2021, the region had 26 such midwife teams. Today, only six remain, operating solely at the hospitals in Gødstrup and Viborg. Aarhus University Hospital, along with hospitals in Randers and Horsens, has shut down their programs entirely.
The model allowed pregnant women to be followed by the same small team of midwives throughout their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. Many women described it as vital for building trust and reducing medical interventions. Now, most expectant mothers must turn to standard hospital teams, seeing new faces at nearly every appointment.
Budget pressures and staff shortages hit maternity wards
The regional authority cites financial cutbacks and recruitment challenges as the main reasons behind the closures. Midwives in the system say the workload of being part of a “Known Midwife” team was intense. Members were on call about one-third of the time, making the job tough to balance with personal life.
At Aarhus University Hospital, staff representatives say they tried to make the model more flexible before it was shut down. However, without additional funding, the hospital could not maintain the program. Like other public hospitals in Denmark, Aarhus faces tight budgets and political pressure to meet performance targets.
For foreigners and visitors navigating the system, the country’s approach to maternity and Danish healthcare access can differ from what they know at home, particularly as regional priorities shift due to budget strain.
Vulnerable expectant mothers most affected
The end of the continuity model comes at a time when maternity wards are seeing more vulnerable pregnant women. Hospital staff say these patients need extra emotional support and personalized care, something the “Known Midwife” structure made possible.
Even though basic care is still delivered effectively, the loss of consistent caregivers has been described by many as deeply unfortunate. At Aarhus University Hospital, leaders are looking for other ways to ensure continuity, perhaps by scheduling women with the same midwife for regular consultations when possible.
Still, with roughly 20 percent of local pregnant women classified as vulnerable — about 1,000 patients annually — offering personalized, consistent care through the old model is no longer doable under current conditions.
Horsens hospital developing a new model
Interestingly, at Horsens Regional Hospital, new efforts are underway to design a system inspired by the old idea but adapted for the future. Pregnant women, families, midwives, doctors, and even general practitioners are all being consulted to shape the new approach.
The guiding principles include continuity, trust, equality in healthcare, and strong personal relationships. The upcoming model will particularly address the needs of vulnerable mothers, offering tailored, reliable, and emotionally supportive care. It is expected to be ready for implementation no earlier than September next year.
Calls to rethink maternal care policies
Regional health officials express disappointment over the decline of the original program but acknowledge it may be time to rethink how to deliver the same values in a sustainable way. Recruiting more midwives and increasing funding could be part of the solution, but those steps depend on political will and budget decisions at the national level.
The collapse of the “Known Midwife” model serves as a reminder that even strong systems like Denmark’s can face limits when resources are stretched. While hospitals continue to provide safe and competent care, the personal touch that once characterized childbirth for many Danish women is becoming harder to find.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Danish Healthcare Explained for Tourists & Expats
The Danish Dream: Health Insurance in Denmark for Foreigners
DR: Politisk prestigeprojekt for fødende ligger i ruiner – det er vanvittig trist
