(NEW YORK CITY) - Nurses represented by the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) stood with community allies and elected officials - including Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, New York State Senator Robert Jackson and City Council Member Carmen De La Rosa, outside NewYork-Presbyterian (NYP) Allen Hospital to voice their opposition to the Hospital’s recent announcement to end Midwifery Services there.

The Midwives at NewYork-Presbyterian Allen are deeply rooted in the community and play a crucial role in providing quality care, Union Officials said.

The compassionate and holistic model of Midwifery plays an important role in empowering patients and reducing maternal and infant mortality and morbidity rates - a crisis impacting not only the country, but the communities that rely on NewYork-Presbyterian Allen.

Terminating these services will likely exacerbate the existing health disparities faced by the majority Black and Brown Birthing Individuals who make up Inwood, Washington Heights and the Bronx, NYSNA Officials said.

According to the Hospital’s latest announcement, the termination of services would take effect March 3rd.

Nurses say despite this short time-frame, there has been no clear plan given about the future of their vital community health work or the status of care for the patients who rely on Midwifery there.

NYSNA is urging NewYork-Presbyterian to immediately reconsider its decision and maintain the Midwifery Services at the Hospital. 

NYSNA President Nancy Hagans said: “NewYork-Presbyterian's decision to shutter Midwifery Services at Allen Hospital is not just a blow to healthcare - it's a blow to the heart of our community.  We won't stand idly by as they compromise the care that these patients deserve.  We demand NewYork-Presbyterian prioritize the health and equity of our community by keeping these invaluable midwifery services intact."

NewYork-Presbyterian Allen Hospital Registered Nurse Ingrid Deler-Garcia said: "As a Midwife at Allen Hospital, I've witnessed the huge impact this type of care has on the community.  The closure of our services jeopardizes patient safety and exacerbates existing challenges.  Let's unite to reverse this decision, safeguard lives and prioritize the well-being of the women and Families we serve."

To Directly Access This Labor News Story, Go To: NURSES CALL OUT NEWYORK-PRESBYTERIAN ALLEN HOSPITAL DECISION TO CLOSE MIDWIFERY SERVICES | New York State Nurses Association (nysna.org)