I am a resident of Laurens, SC, USA and this issue is deeply personal to me. Hundreds of women in our community are being neglected due to the closure of the labor and delivery floor at Prisma Health Laurens County. This closure has left many expectant mothers without local access to vital birthing services. The closure of the labor and delivery floor has also pushed multiple doctors away from the area increasing the neglect of prenatal care by only providing residents with access to a NP and two PAs.

In 2019 alone, there were over 1,000 births registered in Laurens County (source: South Carolina Department of Health). This indicates a significant demand for maternity services within our community. Especially since the county is developing multiple house units and enticing people to want to move to Laurens county.  The lack of such services puts both mothers and babies at risk by increasing travel time during critical moments.

The reopening of the labor and delivery floor at Prisma Health is not just about convenience; it's about providing essential healthcare services to women in our community. We urge Prisma Health administration and relevant authorities to reconsider their decision and provide the women of laurens county with a statement and plan of restoration of our local labor and delivery unit. 

Please sign this petition if you believe that every woman deserves access to quality maternal healthcare close to home.