Rural Maternity Care Crisis: Inside A Maine Hospital’s L&D Closure

MaineHealth plans to close the labor and delivery unit at Lincoln Hospital in Damariscotta, Maine.

The decision has sparked backlash from residents, a local coalition petition drive, and rural health advocates.

Opponents say the hospital remains financially viable and birth volumes are rising.

The closure could widen Maine’s maternity-care desert and force pregnant people to travel farther for delivery.