Dozens of advocates gathered at the YWCA of the Greater Capital Region to keep the Burdett Birth Center at Samaritan Hospital open. 

The rally comes after St. Peter's Health Partners announced it would be closing the maternity wards' doors due to substantial "financial losses."

Advocates say the maternity ward not only helps Rensselaer County, but the entire Capital Region. They also say the ward provides a great alternative to hospitals.

According to the YWCA, Burdett has an exceptionally low cesarean rate of 8.9% as opposed to the statewide average of 28.9%.