Ohio is currently facing a proposal that risks the health of every pregnant woman and infant in the state. Understanding and addressing these risks is essential for the safety of our mothers and babies; taking action is an absolute necessity. Ohio has proposed a permitting system for data centers that would allow large volumes of water containing cooling chemicals to be returned to our streams, rivers, and drinking water sources, including Lake Erie. Research indicates that maternal health near data centers suffers significant consequences, with links to increased rates of premature births, birth defects, and miscarriages. The discharged water causes thermal pollution, which exacerbates existing nutrient pollution and harmful algae blooms. Furthermore, the nitrogen and phosphorus in this discharge can kill fish and damage our ecosystem. Without limits on these nutrients, the safety of food sourced from these waterways is compromised. Additionally, there are currently no mechanisms to monitor PFAS or other added chemicals in the runoff from these centers. Ohio mothers are already at a crisis point: one in four mothers does not see their baby’s first birthday, and one in ten babies is born premature. Last year alone, nearly 14,000 babies were born prematurely. With preeclampsia, hypertension, and preterm births already on the rise, we must consider the additional toll these data centers will take on our community. Please sign the petition today and share this information with other mothers. There is power in knowledge, and we must empower each other to protect our health and our children. Let’s save the babies. Best regards, Valrie Sommerville Certified Birth Doula