Miles Delivers Action Coalition cofounder Margaret Reynolds stands with her son Otto at a press conference alongside Maine Democratic gubernatorial candidate Hannah Pingree. The event highlights the potential closure of a vital labor and delivery unit in Damariscotta, Maine.
Bailey Romaine, an artist, and her partner, Ed Vlcek, are anxious about the January birth of their first child. Romaine expresses concern over the possible closure of the local hospital’s labor unit, which would leave them over an hour away from the nearest facility.
The community in this rural region, facing such uncertainties, is not alone. This issue reflects a nationwide trend of birthing unit closures, which increases risks for expectant mothers. The state of Maine has seen 11 birthing units close in a decade, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Labor and delivery units across the state are managing wait lists. We aim to prevent avoidable tragedies among parents and children, resulting from staffing shortages,says Margaret Reynolds at the press conference.
The decision on the future of the obstetrics department at Miles Hospital will be made by the trustees of MaineHealth. Their decision could influence the healthcare and economic state of Maine. MaineHealth attributes possible closure to a shortage of obstetricians and safety concerns.
Political figures, including outgoing Governor Janet Mills and U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree, echo the coalition’s calls to keep the unit open. Leah Hurwitz, speaking from experience with a dangerous breach birth, emphasizes the critical nature of having local birthing options.
Maternity Care in Crisis
Maternity care in rural and urban areas is disappearing rapidly. By the end of the year, 150 rural birthing units may close, leaving millions vulnerable. Over 60 percent of rural counties now lack such services, with Maine among the hardest hit.
The coalition, formed overnight, unites thousands to challenge the healthcare system’s stance. The founders include Margaret Reynolds and her partners, Moira “Rosie” Richards and Leslie Wolf. Through grassroots efforts, they aim to keep Miles Hospital’s birthing unit operating despite staffing and financial challenges.
The group employs diverse strategies from gathering community support to presenting data challenging MaineHealth’s financial reasoning. The coalition suggests alternative staffing models and ways to sustainably maintain operations.
In response to logistical and resource-based arguments, the coalition has worked on pooling potential OB/GYNs ready to serve the hospital. Despite these efforts, MaineHealth stresses moving care to other hospitals with claims of minimal impact on drive times.
Longtime local physician Tim Goltz warns against closure, citing serious health risks for mothers and infants. Studies show that increased travel distances to birthing facilities correlate with higher rates of complications.
In their ongoing efforts, the coalition seeks legal intervention. They have filed a lawsuit for an emergency injunction against the closure vote. Additionally, a rule-making petition submitted to the state focuses on enforcing notification laws concerning labor and delivery service shutdowns.