More than 14,000 babies were born at Hadassah’s two hospitals—Hadassah Ein Kerem and Hadassah Mount Scopus – in 2019. This record-setting number included 263 pairs of twins and 7 sets of triplets.

Israeli women continue to lead the Western world in the highest number of births per person. The average Israeli woman gives birth to three or more children. Israel also has one of the lowest infant mortality rates in the world, approximately 3 out of 1,000 births. Hadassah’s historic commitment to prenatal and maternity care has played an important role in Israel’s dedication to maternal and infant health.

“This impressive increase in maternity patients is undoubtedly due to our wonderful medical and nursing teams and, in addition, the opening of the new birthing rooms at Hadassah Mt. Scopus,” says Prof. Simcha Yagel, head of Hadassah’s Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

“While it’s great to celebrate the numbers,” Prof. Yagel says, “We endeavor to provide a birth experience that each woman envisions for herself and that maximizes her health and the baby’s.”

Hadassah medical student Hiba Shahada gave birth to the Hadassah Medical Center’s first baby of 2020 at Hadassah Mt. Scopus. “I was very excited to have a New Year’s baby,” she says. “The team that supported me from before birth until I went home was amazing. It was like being with a warm family. I wish everyone a successful and healthy 2020 and hope that Hadassah will continue to be the best hospital there is.”