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Coalition Rally at State House Pushes Long-Term Commitment to Brown Health’s Newport Birthing Center
Coalition of supporters rally at State House for Newport birthing center – “No Bridges to Birth”
The Coalition for Newport Hospital Birthing Center, Aquidneck Island families, community leaders and health care providers came to the RI State House to continue their call or stronger support for the island’s only birthing unit, saying it shouldn’t just be saved from closure — it should be equipped to grow and continually provide the latest state-of-the-art maternal care.
“We are heartened by Brown Health’s announcement last week that it would keep the birthing center open, but we want to know that this excellent facility is going to be provided the resources it needs to thrive now and into the future” said Representative Carson (D-Dist. 75, Newport), who has been a leader in the fight to keep the center open since it was initially targeted for closure by Brown University Health last year. “The Noreen Stonor Drexel Birthing Center has long been an outstanding provider of maternal health services to our community, and we want to make sure it stays at the cutting edge. We are concerned about its funding and about its future when Brown Health’s Massachusetts facilities are running deep in the red. We need a firm commitment to maternal health on Aquidneck Island and throughout our state.”
After considering a plan last summer to shutter the Stonor Drexel Birthing Center — the only birthing center on Aquidneck Island — Brown University Health first announced it would keep it open for another year while considering its future, then on Friday announced that it planned to keep the birthing center open, but wants an additional $4.9 million annually from the state or donors to sustain it.
Supporters at today’s event pushed for a more robust long-term commitment, calling for the passage of a package of legislation sponsored by Representative Carson to ensure a strong future for the birthing center and maternal health on Aquidneck Island and statewide.
Bills, which were scheduled for hearings before the House Health and Human Services Committee:
* 2026-H 7272 – prohibit the closure or significant reduction of services of a birthing center without notice, application, financial disclosure, a public hearing and Department of Health approval
* 2026-H 8203 – would condition state funding or grants for Brown University Health on the continued operation of the birthing center
* 2026-H 7626 – enact the Rhode Island Maternal Health Improvement and Equity Act of 2026 to establish permanent statewide support for maternal health and to implement the maternal health strategic plan improving maternal health care and access.
Today’s event included remarks from Cassie Voll, chair of the Coalition for Newport Hospital Birthing Center and co-founder of Moms over Margins, the community group formed to fight for the continued operation of the birthing center; Katie Hellendrung, a Middletown mother who has given birth to five children at the birthing center; and Adriana Chartier, a registered nurse at Women & Infants Hospital and a member of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) 1199 New England.
At the event, the Coalition for Newport Hospital Birthing Center released its report that found that the birthing center provides vital in-hospital maternity care for women on and around Aquidneck Island, serves a population more than sufficient to sustain it and contributes substantially to Newport County’s economic health.
“While Brown University Health’s announcement that they will keep the Birthing Center open represents an important step forward, questions remain about Brown’s specific plan to ensure the longevity and sustainability of the Birthing Center. We hope that this report serves as the beginning of an open and transparent dialogue with the leadership at Brown University Health and Newport Hospital about not just sustained investment in the Birthing Center, but a robust, long-term strategy that meaningfully incorporates community feedback in decision-making about this vital regional resource,” said Voll.
Statewide Impact: Supporters at the rally noted that the sustainability of the birthing center, while critical to families on the island who would have to drive some 40 minutes off island to another birthing facility, has an impact on the entire state.
“Women & Infants Hospital already delivers 80% of babies in Rhode Island, and we are in the midst of a critical staffing and retention crisis. Short staffing puts patient safety, staff well-being, and our professional licenses at risk every single day. Even though we are encouraged by the announcement that the Newport Hospital’s Birthing Center will stay open, many questions remain about its future. I am deeply concerned about the impact on local families—and I cannot see how an already overstretched system will safely absorb the increase in births,” said Melissa Blais, a registered nurse labor and delivery at Women & Infants Hospital.
Said Newport City Councilor Xay Khamsyvoravong, “Fixing our health care system starts with ensuring access to high-quality primary and maternal health care. Communities need to be resolute in ensuring the health care system hears that these are foundational priorities.”
Watch the news event HERE: https://capitoltvri.cablecast.tv/show/12001
About The Coalition for Newport Hospital Birthing Center
dedicated to protecting and sustaining access to local, high-quality maternal and newborn care for Newport County and Aquidneck Island families. We advocate for the continued operation of the Noreen Stonor Drexel Birthing Center at Newport Hospital, recognizing its essential role in community health, public safety, and equitable access to care.
RINewsToday’s articles on this issue:
STATUS of Newport Hospital BIRTHING CENTER – Brown University Health on this, other programs