Birthing Center Closes Amid State Funding Debate | Burlington News

Burlington News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 10, 2026 · 1m

Brattleboro Memorial Hospital is shutting down its birthing center, and Governor Phil Scott’s administration stands by its decision not to provide additional funding, despite having already invested a million dollars—conditioned on a sustainability plan. The state cites staffing shortages, declining birth rates, and soaring healthcare costs as key reasons, noting the hospital ultimately chose closure. A state study claims the change won’t significantly increase travel time to birthing services, with no one needing to drive more than an hour. While the move stings local expectant parents…