Newport lawmaker proposes comprehensive review before closing hospital maternity unit

By: Nancy Lavin

Outlets: Rhode Island Current

Published: January 26, 2026

Words: 1,030

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 3 days ago

Body Text Preview

Aquidneck Island residents breathed a sigh of relief when Brown University Health committed to keeping the Noreen Stonor Drexel Birthing Center at Newport Hospital open through Sept. 30, 2026.

But Rep. Lauren Carson, a Newport Democrat, remains worried about the future of the award-winning labor and delivery unit and the thousands of residents whose health depends upon its services. That’s why Carson has introduced a bill putting up more guardrails against birthing center closures …

Create a free account to access this story and more

Join Plucky Wire to access full stories, collaborate with newsrooms, and discover content from networks around the world.

Email Us