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HARRISBURG, June 12 -- State Rep. Babette Josephs, D-Phila., joined other men, women, children and state legislators today in the Capitol Rotunda to rally for support and to educate the public about the problem facing Pennsylvania as obstetric/maternity units continue to close in hospitals across the state.
According to reports, hospitals are getting out of this field because of the expense of staffing the maternity floors around the clock, unequal distribution of resources, lack of adequate Medicaid reimbursements and because the number of patients cannot be predicted. Because of unequal distribution of resources, within the last 10 years, more than 30 hospital neonatal intensive care/obstetrical units have closed their doors in Pennsylvania, with more being considered. In Southeastern Pennsylvania during that same time, 14 obstetrics units have closed.
"The growing obstetric/ maternity crisis is reducing birthing options for pregnant women all over the Commonwealth, especially in Philadelphia. There are many complications that could occur when giving birth and we all should be concerned about the level of care that is being taken away for women and their families," Josephs said.
"No women giving birth should have to experience harm because they have to travel miles out of their way to receive the proper care and treatments that are needed."
Josephs said neonatal/obstetrical units should be available during pregnancies, just as basic medical care should be available to all Pennsylvanians.
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