File photo. Photo: 123rf.com
Waihi midwives says the closure of the Waikato town's birthing centre will likely see babies born on the side of the road.
The Lifecare Birthing Centre will shut next month after 80 years, because it no longer has enough staff.
The Huntly birthing unit was also closing because of midwife shortages.
Lifecare Birthing Centre's lead midwife Belinda Beetham said parents might instead opt for home births or drive for an hour to reach alternative services.
"Transportation, as far as vehicles, is a problem, and covering the costs of getting to and from places," she said.
"They either have to birth at home or they will have a trip through to Thames unit or Waikato."
Beetham said key routes like the Karangahake Gorge were often closed in winter, isolating parents further.
She said the community was upset the centre would close after serving whānau for 80 years.
"A beautiful mama here has proposed a standalone whānau unit be built," Beetham said.
"She's concerned about Māori women and their health statistics deteriorating because they don't have the one-on-one care out here."
A petition to keep the centre open had received over 2000 signatures.
