Consultation begins into future of Kent birthing units
A consultation is set to begin into plans to close birthing centres in Canterbury and Dover.
A review of maternity services in east Kent has recommended the centres should close because of the falling numbers of women choosing to give birth there.
Under the NHS trust's preferred option, women would instead give birth at units in Ashford and Margate.
A series of public meetings has been lined up for residents to find out more during the three-month consultation.
Opponents of the proposal have said women should be able to give birth locally.
The consultation, which starts on Friday, is being led by NHS Kent and Medway and East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust.