Selectboard signs revised resolution urging support for regional birthing center, removes advisory language about patient choice

The selectboard reviewed a draft resolution, originally circulated by neighboring towns, that urges Brattleboro Memorial Hospital to maintain birthing services for the region and calls on state officials to support rural maternal care. Staff read the three draft bullet points for the board; the first urges the hospital to "do everything within its power to maintain robust birthing center services in Braggle [sic] for the benefit of the region," and the second asks state agencies and the legislative delegation to act to prevent closure.

Several members objected to the third bullet as drafted — language urging residents to "choose Brattleboro Memorial Hospital first" — and the board agreed to delete that recommendation. "I think urging residents to choose Brattleboro Memorial Hospital is fine. I don't know if I'd say 'first'," one board member said. With that change, the board moved to accept the revised resolution and approved it for signature; staff said the resolution would be printed for the chair to sign when available.