Augusta, ME – In response to MaineHealth’s decision to move forward with the closure of the labor and delivery unit at Lincoln Hospital in Damariscotta, Maine Democratic Party Executive Director Devon Murphy-Anderson released the following statement:

“Today’s decision is deeply disappointing for the families, health care workers, and community members who fought to keep labor and delivery services at Lincoln Hospital. No one should have to drive hours to give birth because their local maternity ward has closed. This decision leaves thousands of rural Mainers with fewer options and puts women and families at an even greater risk during one of the most important moments of their lives.

“This closure also comes a year after Susan Collins voted to advance Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill, which could lead to tens of thousands of Mainers losing health care and rural hospitals closing around the state. Mainers need leaders who will fight to protect rural health care, not greenlight cuts that make it harder for hospitals to keep essential services.

“We’re grateful to everyone who fought for this community and we’ll continue working to ensure every Mainer has access to the quality health care they deserve, no matter where they live.”