Governor McKee Issues Statement Regarding the Noreen Stonor Drexel Birthing Center

Published on Tuesday, July 29, 2025

PROVIDENCE, RI—Today, Governor Dan McKee issued the following statement regarding the Noreen Stonor Drexel Birthing Center.

“My administration has been advocating behind the scenes for some time to keep the Noreen Stonor Drexel Birthing Center open for the families of Newport County. After my conversation today with Brown University Health CEO John Fernandez, I am happy to report that the Birthing Center will not be cut from the organization’s FY26 budget, and that a task force including community members will be convened to inform future improvements to operations.

“This is excellent news for a concerned community who, like my administration, prioritizes issues of women’s health. When it comes to childbirth, the time, access, and expertise the Birthing Center provides to Newport County are essential.”