Almost two years ago, we stood in solidarity with dozens of mothers, activists, doulas, midwives, nurses and folks concerned about the budget cuts at Jackson Health System and the potential closing of the Women’s Center at Jackson South Community Hospital. In 2010, the Miami-Dade County Commission overturned the decision of the Public Health Trust to close the midwife-led center. They agreed two years ago that the $2.5 million needed to balance the budget was not worth risking women’s lives. The commissioners understood that the health of the community is more valuable than money. Our elected commissioners read our letters and petitions and heard our voices loud and clear.

Now, it is time again to let Miami-Dade commissioners know how we feel about threats to women’s services at Jackson South. There will be a special meeting of the County Commission on THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2012 to once again discuss the future of the Women's Center at Jackson South. Sign this petition and show our elected officials how much the community supports JACKSON HEALTH SYSTEM. It’s time for our elected officials to do the right thing and PROTECT patient care at our public hospital and PRESERVE the services our community depends on!

About Jackson South Community Hospital Women’s Center:

• JSCH Women's Center is remarkable for it's excellent reputation in caring for mothers and babies, has the lowest cesarean section and infection rates in Miami-Dade County and is staffed by midwives.
• JSCH is the only hospital in the entire county to provide a 24/7 Midwifery Service Florida's average section rate is 37 %, with hospitals in Miami Dade averaging 51 - 70%
• The Jackson Health System has the lowest c-section rate in all of Miami Dade, at 28%. The World Health Organization determined an acceptable rate to be 10 - 15%
• The Midwifery Service at JSCH has an even lower primary (first-time) c-section rate of just 18%

Thank you for your support and solidarity. Birth Justice includes access to midwifery care for all! PLEASE also consider writing to your commissioner and urge them to keep the Women's Center open at Jackson South. Here is a link to determine who your commissioner is, if you don't already know: http://miamidade.gov/wps/portal/Main/government

Thank you! Thank you for your support and solidarity.

Please help circulate this petition by posting on facebook and other social media!