Re “Scripps to close maternity unit at its Chula Vista hospital Sunday” (June 22): As a family medicine physician with 25 years of service in medical education and patient care at Scripps Mercy Hospital Chula Vista, I am deeply saddened by the closure of this maternity care unit.

I am concerned that our most vulnerable patients will have barriers to care that will increase health disparities already faced by this community. This is an issue of health equity.Chula Vista is a growing city with increased development in the west bayside area, and more access to health care is needed. Financial pressures and competition for limited resources force hospitals to make difficult decisions. Hospitals in California receive five times the reimbursement for a vaginal delivery from commercial insurers compared to Medi-Cal payments.

I understand both the need for increased access for all patients in the community and Scripps’ need for more emergency and medical/surgical capacity. However, this decision will come at the sacrifice of care for low-income mothers and infants.

— Marianne McKennett, La Jolla