STEPHENVILLE, Texas – Erath County is a great place to live and work — and it’s again a great place to have a baby.

Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Stephenville is pleased to announce that labor and delivery services will resume on June 7 when James Cawley, M.D., a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist, begins work at Texas Health Women’s Care in Stephenville, a Texas Health Physicians Group practice.

“We’re excited to again offer labor and delivery services to the people of Erath County and surrounding areas,” said Christopher Leu, Texas Health Stephenville president. “We appreciate our community members’ patience over the past two years and look forward to working with Dr. Cawley to bring new life into the world at our hospital.”

With a normal annual volume of 400 births, Texas Health Stephenville suspended labor and delivery services in August 2019 because of retirements and departures of obstetricians on the hospital’s medical staff. The hospital conducted an aggressive recruitment program to restore services, resulting in Dr. Cawley joining the medical staff.

“We’re continuing to recruit additional OB/GYN physicians to serve the people of our communities,” Leu said.

Cawley has practiced women’s healthcare in the Mineral Wells area for more than 30 years. A native Texan, he grew up on a ranch outside Eldorado. He received his bachelor’s degree in biology from Texas Tech University and medical degree from Texas Tech University School of Medicine. After completing his internship and residency at St. Luke’s Hospital/UH Case Medical Center in Cleveland, he returned to Texas to practice. He has been board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology since 1989.

While attending medical school, Cawley met his wife, Dori, who is also a physician. They have four children. In his spare time, he enjoys family activities, hunting and fishing, reading and medical mission trips, serving around the globe.

Along with retaining staff, Texas Health Stephenville recently completed a $570,000 upgrade and renovation to its labor and delivery unit. The Women’s Center offers nine suites to provide a private and comforting environment for mother and family.

Additionally, the Women’s Center offers birth navigator services. The navigator helps guide and provide information throughout an expectant mom’s pregnancy, including prenatal education, pre-registration, financial assistance and breastfeeding resources.

“We look forward to renewing our long-term commitment and service to expecting mothers and their families. We’re delighted to be back,” Leu said.