For 58 years, the Allen Hospital Midwifery Service has been a cornerstone of our community in Washington Heights, Inwood, Manhattan, and the Bronx. It has provided invaluable care to black and brown birthing women and persons, offering a lifeline to those who need it most. However, without providing a viable reason or backup plan for patient care after February 1st, 2024, New York Presbyterian-Allen Hospital has decided to terminate this essential service.

The current team of dedicated physicians are stretched thin, with a recruitment and retention problem they will be unable to safely care for our patients after February 1, 2024.

This decision not only disrupts continuity of care for many individuals but also threatens the health and wellbeing of our community members. The termination of this service is more than just an administrative decision; it's personal. It affects real people with real needs.

We must remember that midwives play a critical role in maternal healthcare especially among minority communities where they have been shown to reduce racial disparities in maternity outcomes (American College of Nurse-Midwives). The abrupt termination of this service without any clear rationale or alternative plan is unacceptable.

We urge New York Presbyterian-Allen Hospital to reconsider their decision and reinstate the Allen Hospital Midwifery Service immediately. This isn't just about preserving a long-standing institution; it's about ensuring that all members of our community continue receiving the quality healthcare they deserve. In a time where the maternal mortality rate has skyrocketed in this country especially among black and brown women and persons.

Stand with us as we fight for justice and equity in healthcare services within our community. Sign this petition today!