⚡ Action Alerts

Newport Hospital Birthing Center: Keep It Open

The League of Women Voters of Newport County opposes the proposed closure of the Noreen Drexel Birthing Center at Newport Hospital by Brown University Health. We are committed to ensuring that any changes do not worsen racial, economic, or geographic disparities in maternal care.

Key Actions to Take:

• Sign the Petition: Support the effort to retain the Noreen Drexel Birthing Center.
• Contact Leadership: Email Brown University Health and Newport Hospital leaders to express the need for the center.
  • John Fernandez (Brown Health President): [email protected]
  • Sarah Frost (Brown Health Executive VP): [email protected]
  • Mailing Address: Rhode Island Hospital – Office of the President, 593 Eddy Street, Providence, RI 02903
• Support Legislation: Advocate for Representative Lauren Carson's proposed legislation (introduced January 2026) that mandates a rigorous Rhode Island Department of Health review before any closures, service reductions, or capacity cuts of 25% or more.

Update

No Bridges to Birth!

The Coalition for Newport Hospital Birthing Center continues to rally under the banner "No Bridges to Birth!" — highlighting the unacceptable reality that island and East Bay families would face if forced to cross bridges in labor to reach a hospital. Join the coalition and stand with Newport County families to keep the Noreen Drexel Birthing Center open and accessible.

Tell Congress to Oppose the SAVE Act Suite of Bills!

The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act and its expanded iterations — including the SAVE America Act and the Make Elections Great Again (MEGA) Act — are key legislative efforts in early 2026 aimed at altering federal voter registration and identification requirements. Congress continues to introduce bills that would require voters to present documentary proof of citizenship (DPOC) to register and/or vote.

Who Would Be Affected:

• Military voters, who would be required to present documentation every time they re-register to vote when their family moves.
• Disaster survivors who have been impacted by natural disasters and lost important documentation.
• Married women and other Americans who have changed their names.
• Younger voters and voters of color, who would suffer disproportionately.

Write to our Federal Delegation and tell them "no" to such legislation!