Northern Tier News

Rep. Martin Causer has expressed strong opposition to the recent decision by UPMC officials to eliminate childbirth delivery services at UPMC Cole. The move will require expectant mothers in the area to travel to Wellsboro for deliveries, a change that Causer describes as a "devastating health care blow" to the region.

Causer criticized UPMC executives for their perceived lack of understanding regarding the community's needs. "UPMC executives clearly lack knowledge and understanding of the region they serve, and I told them as much," he stated. He emphasized the importance of local facilities like UPMC Cole in providing essential services, especially in rural areas where communities are spread out.

He argued that expecting mothers traveling over 90 minutes to Wellsboro is unrealistic and highlights a disconnect between decision-makers and rural life realities. "To say that expectant mothers can simply travel to Wellsboro for their care demonstrates just how out of touch UPMC’s decisionmakers are with the reality of rural life," he said.

Causer also pointed out potential risks associated with this decision, including challenges faced by expectant mothers who may not have transportation or family support during labor. He noted, "Our EMS system is in a state of crisis and is struggling to respond to calls in many communities." According to him, this change endangers both mothers' and babies' lives.

The community leader urges collective action against this decision: "As a community, we must push back on this decision."