DAMARISCOTTA –– MaineHealth is expected to decide the fate this week of a popular birthing center in Damariscotta.

The healthcare system is expected to announce on Thursday whether it will be closing the Lincoln Birthing Center inside Lincoln Hospital. According to the hospital’s website, the center “provides safe and supportive childbirth services.”

The announcement that the center might be closing has prompted a surge of local grassroots protest, including a rally held on Saturday in support of the center staying open. Gubernatorial Candidate Hannah Pingree attended and spoke of the need for the center.

“This isn’t about one hospital,” she said. “It is about whether we are willing to accept a future in Maine where rural Mainers are required to take unacceptable risks when they start their families.”

The potential closure drew comments from Gov. Janet Mills, who sent a letter this week to the hospital’s board of directors asking them to delay their decision to consider more alternatives to closure.

Hospital officials declined to comment directly on the upcoming decision, but VP of Communications Kathleen Taggersell issued a written statement saying MaineHealth understands the need for maternity care in rural communities. She also reiterated that “No final decision has been made.”

“Our clinical and operational leaders have carefully evaluated community feedback, workforce realities, patient safety, access and the long-term sustainability of the service,” she wrote.