Mayor Bloomberg and city officials shut down Labor and Delivery at North Central Bronx Hospital in August, and that terrible decision is hurting women across the Bronx. Nurses at Jacobi Hospital report that they are stretched to their limit. And women are having to travel farther to give birth. In an emergency, minutes can mean the difference between a good outcome and heartache.

We can, and we must, reopen these services at North Central Bronx Hospital for the borough’s moms and babies. It’s not just that they deserve quality care close to home. Life depends on it.

“NCB is a nationally recognized center for training midwives. Yet, the mayor shut down Labor and Delivery with only five days’ notice. Now our educational mission is in danger, and moms have to travel, often on public transportation, to give birth.” – Sangra Fogarty, transferred to Jacobi Hospital from North Central Bronx Hospital