Massachusetts birth center's possible demise ignites protest

A proposal to cease all deliveries at the North Shore Birth Center in Beverly, MA—one of only two hospital-affiliated centers statewide that offer natural birth options—has ignited a passionate protest from women. With a debate and potential vote by Beverly Hospital's board of trustees expected Nov. 18, women have been picketing the hospital, circulating fliers, writing letters to board members, blogging and organizing on Facebook. Hospital officials have declined to comment but released a statement that acknowledges the center's services are being scrutinized and that no final decisions have been made about its future.