Letter: Canceled prenatal care for Tucsonans

I am 18 weeks into a high-risk pregnancy, and I just got a call from El Rio Health telling me: “Centering Pregnancy services have been canceled, due to budget cuts.” I am heartbroken. Centering is group-based prenatal care for pregnant people and their partners, creating a supportive environment to gather and learn with and from each other. This is my first pregnancy; I am also a family doctor who provides prenatal care. Pregnancy is a difficult time for many. The camaraderie of being surrounded by people navigating similar experiences is not only therapeutic, but also an evidence-based and cost-effective model of care that improves health outcomes for both parents and babies. It is tragic that this service is being suddenly ended halfway through my group members’ pregnancies. These "budget cuts" always hurt the most vulnerable first. Community-based prenatal care is a pillar of reproductive justice. Funding this continuity of care should be a top priority.