My family was deeply worried to hear about the potential closure of the birthing center at MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital. We welcomed our son there in 2024, and the care, compassion, and support we received during one of the most important moments of our lives is something we will never forget. As we consider growing our family in the future, it is difficult to imagine going anywhere else.

For many families in the Midcoast, this is not simply about convenience. A local birthing center provides comfort, safety, continuity of care, and a sense of community during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery. The nurses, providers, and staff created an environment where families felt seen, supported, and cared for.

My family is part of a growing community of young families choosing to make the Midcoast our home. We are drawn here by the strong sense of community, the natural beauty, and the opportunity to raise children in a place that values connection and quality of life. Losing access to a nearby and supportive place to give birth adds another layer of stress and uncertainty for young parents. For some families, it may even become a deciding factor in whether they choose to stay in or move to this region.

Rural communities cannot continue to thrive if essential healthcare services disappear. Supporting young families means investing not only in schools and housing, but also in maternal healthcare and local birth services. I hope community members and decision-makers recognize what will be lost if the birthing center at MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital closes and the impact it will have on families throughout the region.

Hannah Ward Howland lives in Friendship