PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Oregon legislators have voiced their concerns for the upcoming closure of labor and delivery services at Providence Seaside.

In a letter sent to President and CEO Erik Wexler on Tuesday, Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley, Sen. Ron Wyden and Rep. Suzanne Bonamici urged Providence Health & Services to aid affected families in their search for safe maternal health care. Lawmakers also advised the company to support the employees whose jobs will be cut as part of the shutdown.

“Providence Seaside Hospital has served a wide geographic area along the Oregon coast for nearly 50 years, and its closure could force patients to travel long distances to receive both routine and emergency obstetric care,” Merkley, Wyden and Bonamici wrote. “In addition, this closure would likely create

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