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7/21/2025
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Carson stands up against proposed closure of birthing center
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STATE HOUSE – Rep. Lauren H. Carson is pushing back against Brown University Health’s proposal to close the Noreen Stonor Drexel Birthing Center at Newport Hospital.
In a letter she drafted, signed by herself and fellow Aquidneck Island Representatives Terri Cortvriend (D-Dist. 72, Middletown, Portsmouth), Michelle McGaw (D-Dist. 71, Portsmouth, Tiverton, Little Compton), Marvin L. Abney (D-Dist. 73, Newport, Middletown) and Alex S. Finkelman (D-Dist. 74, Jamestown, Middletown), the representatives urge hospital and Brown University Health leaders to keep the birthing center open, and to meet with the public locally before any decision is made.
“To close a birthing center whose excellence is internationally recognized would be a devastating blow to public health in general, and it would cause immense hardship and risk for young families, women and infants on Aquidneck Island. Having to travel off-island for prenatal and postnatal health care is going to mean many women simply don’t get it, or get much less of it than is safe. For the many low-income families on our island, especially those without cars, having to travel 35 miles for care is a tremendous challenge, particularly for those who already have other young children. We’re going to see many who need to call an ambulance when they are in labor, and more instances of people giving birth on the road to a distant hospital. Closing this center would undoubtedly be very harmful to the health of the tens of thousands of people in Newport County, and it’s a penny-wise, pound-foolish approach to managing health resources,” said Representative Carson (D-Dist. 75, Newport).
As part of a budget proposal for its next fiscal year, Brown University Health is considering shuttering the center, which opened in 1995 was named for Newport philanthropist Drexel following a substantial financial gift she provided to it. It earned the World Health Organization and UNICEF “Baby Friendly” designation in 2004 for its excellence in supporting breastfeeding by new mothers.
In the letter, the legislators advocate for the needs of the hundreds of young families living at the Newport Naval base, a great many of whom rely on the center’s services.
The letter also points to the many efforts the General Assembly made in the state budget that went into effect this month to help ease hospitals’ financial struggles, including an infusion of $38 million above the governor’s proposal for hospital reimbursement rates and direct support payments, and more than $40 million in additional funds for primary care reimbursement.
“Clearly, we are hearing your concerns and working to address them,” the letter said. “Now we are asking you to hear us: we are urging you to maintain the full operation of the Birthing Center.”
The letter, sent to Brown University Health Executive Vice President and Chief of Hospital Operations Sarah Frost and Newport Hospital President Dr. Tenny Thomas, asks them to hold a public hearing on Aquidneck Island in August so they can hear from the many people on the island affected by the proposal.
Some 200 residents and health care providers packed Newport City Hall at a meeting this week when the City Council passed a resolution calling for the center to remain open. While Carol Bazarsky, chair of the Newport Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees, spoke, neither Frost nor Thomas attended.
NOTE: Letter attached.
For more information, contact:
Meredyth R. Whitty, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-1923
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