Memorial Healthcare System Continues to Set National Standard in Care for High-Risk Pregnancies With It's Growing Placenta Accreta Program

Memorial Healthcare System’s nationally recognized High-Risk Pregnancy Program at Memorial Regional Hospital continues to lead the way in specialized care for women with Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS), a complex and potentially life-threatening condition. Since its inception in 2016, Memorial’s PAS program has treated more than 270 confirmed cases, with exponential growth year over year, positioning it as one of the busiest accreta programs in the country.

“From the very beginning, our mission has been to provide the highest standard of care to mothers facing this incredibly challenging diagnosis,” said Julie Kang, MD, medical director of High-Risk Obstetrics Surgery at Memorial Healthcare System. “With each case, our experience grows, and so does our ability to ensure safer outcomes for both mother and baby.”

PAS is a serious pregnancy complication affecting approximately 1 in 1,000 deliveries in the U.S. It occurs when the placenta grows too deeply into the uterine wall, making it difficult to separate after delivery and increasing the risk of severe bleeding, early delivery, hysterectomy, or even loss of life. It is most commonly linked to previous cesarean deliveries.

This program, which offers a 24/7 on-call team of experts, reinforces Memorial's commitment to delivering the highest level of care to expecting mothers and their babies, particularly in cases where complications, such as placenta previa and placenta accreta, pose significant risks.

Memorial has become a trusted regional referral center for this complex condition, with more than 420 referrals from obstetricians and specialists across South Florida directing patients to its PAS Program. Demand continues to climb, growing from just two confirmed accreta cases in 2016 to 63 in 2024 – a 37% increase from 2023 alone.

Nationally, PAS carries a 7% maternal mortality rate. Yet, Memorial Healthcare System proudly reports a 0% mortality rate within its program. Other program highlights include:

• Less blood loss and shorter hospital stays compared to national averages
• Low Intensive Care Unit admission rate of 15%
• 24/7 on-call, multidisciplinary team of high-risk obstetricians, anesthesiologists, surgical experts, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, and perinatal nurse navigators
• Comprehensive patient navigation, from diagnosis through delivery and postpartum recovery

Sandy Hankerson-Pinkney was diagnosed with full placenta accreta and faced the emotional reality of needing an emergency surgery following the delivery of her daughter. Despite the gravity of the situation, she found peace and exceptional care through her referral to Memorial Healthcare System.

“I had full placenta accreta. After I delivered my daughter, I had to have a full hysterectomy immediately,” said Sandy. “But under all of these circumstances, I'm so grateful my doctor referred me to Memorial because I received the most incredible care. My daughter was in the NICU for 14 days and she also received amazing care, and I know this wouldn't have been possible anywhere else, especially in South Florida.”

Her story exemplifies the mission of Memorial’s PAS program: to deliver life-saving care to both mother and baby, supported by a team that is not only clinically skilled but deeply caring.

“Patients facing PAS need more than clinical care – they need emotional reassurance, surgical precision, and a team dedicated to their safety,” added Dr. Kang. “That’s what we provide, every step of the way.”

Memorial Healthcare System’s approach combines cutting-edge clinical excellence with personalized, patient-centered care. The program integrates prenatal co-management with the patient’s OB, advanced planning, and tailored surgical interventions to minimize risks and support positive outcomes. And with more babies born at Memorial Regional Hospital than any other facility in Broward County, Memorial Regional Hospital Family Birthplace has undergone a $68 million renovation and expansion to enhance patient experience, privacy, and access to specialized care.

Learn more about Memorial’s Placenta Accreta Spectrum Program and high-risk pregnancy services. If you have been diagnosed with a high-risk pregnancy, please contact your OB/GYN to develop a personalized care plan.