Louisville official wants to redirect $5 million from delayed south end birthing center

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville Metro Councilwoman Jennifer Chappell wants to redirect more than $5 million after plans for a new birthing center in the south end came to a stop.

Medicaid funding cuts forced Mary & Elizabeth Hospital to indefinitely delay the $20 million "Birthing Place" project in August. It would have become the first birthing center west of Interstate 65 in five decades. 

"Women across this community have waited decades for expanded birthing options outside the I-65 corridor," Chappell said in a news release.

Chappell proposes moving $5.175 million in city funds to other south end priorities, including park upgrades, pool renovations and expanded family health services.

"Learning that the birthing center has been indefinitely delayed is heartbreaking," she said.

The proposal will go before Metro Council’s Budget Committee on Nov. 6 at 4:30 p.m.