It traces its lineage to the period right after the American Civil War when a group of seven women formed an association in 1868 to provide care for unwed mothers and their infants.

Sarah Gertrude Banks and Florence Hudson[5] founded the all-women Free Dispensary for Women and Children at the establishment on March 1, 1893.

[6][7] Throughout the late 19th century and early and mid-20th century, the hospital became known for its innovative care of women and children, including Detroit's first baby incubator, Michigan's first research laboratory devoted to the "study of women's diseases," and establishment of the nation's first "Mother's Milk Bureau" to ensure a supply of breast milk to infants of non-lactating mothers.

[8] Since that time the hospital has seen its services grow to include orthopedics, ophthalmology, a pain clinic and sleep center.

Hutzel Services include: High-Risk Pregnancy Care, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Incontinence/Urogynecology, Long-term Birth Control, Menopause and Bariatric (Weight Loss) Surgery Hutzel Women's Hospital is listed in The Leapfrog Group’s 2008 Top Hospital list for patient quality and safety.