Miles Campus Maternity Fight | Bangor News

A grassroots coalition in Damariscotta, Maine, is rallying against MaineHealth’s plan to shut down the labor and delivery unit at the Miles Campus, arguing the decision is premature and poorly researched. Their new report counters claims of declining births and staffing shortages by showing rural hospitals thrive with creative staffing solutions—and that births surged 40% after the unit regained Baby-Friendly status and investment. They reject MaineHealth’s argument that ERs can handle obstetric emergencies, stressing labor’s unpredictability and the added risk of shifting care to paramedics and families. Instead, they propose expanding roles for family medicine docs, nurse midwives, and telemedicine, urging MaineHealth to pause for 18 months to explore alternatives and involve the community. With the hospital’s board set to vote August 6, the group insists the future of this vital local service must be decided with the community—not against it. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/267e3ea69c9aa5c6