The Waupaca City Council convened on December 3, 2024, to address a pressing community concern: the potential discontinuation of obstetric (OB) services at ThetaCare Medical Center. The council unanimously passed a resolution urging the continuation of these vital services, emphasizing their importance for local families and the community's overall health.

Alderperson Paul Hagen presented the resolution, highlighting that maintaining OB care at ThetaCare would ensure convenient access for residents, allowing them to receive comprehensive care without the need to travel long distances. The resolution reflects the community's desire for continuity in quality healthcare, particularly for expectant mothers and families.

Pastor Carl Ferguson, a long-time Waupaca resident, spoke passionately about the detrimental impact that the loss of OB services would have on the community. He noted that obstetric units often serve as a gateway to broader healthcare services, fostering connections between families and local medical providers. Ferguson emphasized that over 3,000 residents have signed a petition urging ThetaCare to reconsider its decision, underscoring the community's strong support for retaining these services.

Several community members echoed these sentiments during the meeting, sharing personal stories and expressing their concerns about the implications of losing OB services. They argued that the absence of such care could deter young families from moving to Waupaca, ultimately affecting the town's growth and vitality.

Dr. Ezra Lyon and another physician also voiced their support for the resolution, stressing the importance of having a local labor and delivery unit that respects the natural process of childbirth. They highlighted the unique care provided by the team at ThetaCare, which has built a reputation for compassionate and respectful maternity care.

The council's decision to advocate for the continuation of OB services aligns with broader community goals of ensuring accessible healthcare and supporting families in Waupaca. As the council prepares to engage with ThetaCare administration, residents remain hopeful that their voices will lead to a positive outcome for the future of obstetric care in their community.