McKee Budget Amendment Secures $1.6 Million to Protect and Preserve Maternal Health Services at Newport Hospital Birthing Center

Published on Monday, May 18, 2026

PROVIDENCE, RI — On Friday, the McKee Administration submitted a budget amendment to provide $1.6 million in additional funding to the Newport Hospital’s Noreen Stonor Drexel Birthing Center. The funding is exclusive to the birthing center and contingent on the continued operation of the center.

The Governor’s proposal comes in direct response to the financial challenges identified by Brown University Health regarding the continued operation of the birthing center.

“My administration continues to prioritize women’s health care, and that includes maternal health care,” said Governor Dan McKee. “We understand what a critical community resource the Newport Birthing Center is, and while our behind-the-scenes advocacy with Brown University Health helped keep the Newport Birthing Center open to date, this proposal puts additional state resources behind protecting access to local maternal health care services for Rhode Island families.”

Recently, Brown University Health made public its call for $4.9 million in additional funding in order to keep the birthing center open. The Governor’s proposed amendment aligns with the bill submitted by Representative Lauren Carson (D-Dist. 75, Newport) that apportioned the $4.9 million between three pools—State General Revenue, Brown University Health, and philanthropy.