Newport Hospital birthing center to remain open

NEWPORT, R.I. (WLNE) — Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee has announced the birthing center at Newport Hospital will not be cut.

Advocates had been rallying in recent days to save the facility after Brown University Health considered closing it due to money troubles.

Newport City Council had also passed a July 13 resolution in favor of keeping the center open.

Governor McKee said in a statement that 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.”

There is no word from Brown University Health on what other potential cost-cutting measures will take place instead.