In this day of continuing closure of local maternity wards, the options for women are dwindling. This is not good for the birth culture, for women’s choice or for the community. Having access to a local hospital to birth a baby is becoming more and more rare. Women are being forced to drive long distances for quality care. They are being herded into larger city hospitals. Their needs are being compromised by the lack of options. Ellwood City Hospital’s Obstetric unit provides quality care and a local option for the women of our community. Closing this unit will be a detriment to local women and families. Ellwood City Hospital has been the birth place for generations of families. Mothers have birthed their children, who have subsequently birthed their children there. Families have been born there. Women are treated respectfully and as people, not just numbers. Women are cared for as a whole. Now newly expectant parents and the community are left to wonder where they will get quality maternity care in a personal setting. We, therefore, request that the Board of Directors at Ellwood City Hospital reconsider the choice to close the obstetric unit. We request that the unit remain open to serve this and surrounding communities. Thank You.