The Corona community has always been my home, and the decision to close the maternity ward at Corona Regional Medical Center directly affects families across our city. According to public notices and local reporting, the labor and delivery unit is scheduled to close on January 30, 2026, with the final patient delivery expected on January 23, 2026. Access to nearby labor and delivery care is essential, especially during emergencies, and our community deserves safe, timely maternity services available locally. The removal of this vital service without meaningful community discussion has motivated me to take action.

The closure of the labor and delivery unit at Corona Regional Medical Center would be a significant setback for our community. Studies show that having nearby access to maternity care drastically reduces maternal and infant mortality rates. According to the World Health Organization, maternal health services close to home play a vital role in ensuring positive health outcomes. Without this essential service, expectant mothers, particularly those facing high-risk pregnancies, might face increased travel times, resulting in delayed care or increased stress during a crucial moment in their lives.

Corona Regional Medical Center has been a cornerstone of our community, providing crucial healthcare services to residents. Closing the maternity ward not only jeopardizes maternal and infant health but also places an unnecessary burden on neighboring hospitals, potentially leading to overcrowding and longer wait times for essential care.

We urge Southwest Healthcare and Corona Regional Medical Center leadership to reconsider this decision and explore alternatives before fully closing the maternity unit. These alternatives could include reduced-capacity services, partnerships with nearby healthcare providers, or holding a public community meeting to discuss options with residents who will be directly affected.

Let us unite as a community to voice our concerns and make it clear that access to maternity care matters. Please join me in signing this petition to urge hospital leadership to pause this closure and work with the community to preserve safe and accessible labor and delivery care in Corona.