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Portsmouth council unanimously backs resolution urging Newport Hospital to keep birthing center open
Summary
The Town Council voted 7-0 to approve a resolution supporting retention of the birthing center at Newport Hospital; councilors and island residents urged collective advocacy and warned against using town tax dollars to subsidize a private business.
The Portsmouth Town Council voted 7-0 on July 28 to approve a resolution urging Newport Hospital and state leaders to keep the hospital's birthing center open.
Councilors discussed public-health and fiscal implications before the vote and several island residents and officials addressed the council during public comment urging local coordination with neighboring municipalities.
A councilor who described a background in health policy told the council the birthing center offers wraparound services — prenatal and postpartum care, lactation support and behavioral-health follow-up — that matter for outcomes and costs, and that forcing patients to travel farther could increase emergency and acute-care use.
Councilor Reese said the town should advocate but not use Portsmouth taxpayer funds to prop up a private operator. "Under no circumstances should it be considered by this resolution to support the birthing center to include Portsmouth town taxpayer funds in any way," Reese said.
Public comment included Pauline Perkins Moyer, who said she was speaking on her own behalf though she is director of resident services for the Housing Authority; she urged strong action and noted large local concern and a planned rally. Zaykom Siburovong, who identified himself as a Newport resident, and representatives of the Newport City Council expressed thanks for Portsmouth's consideration and emphasized coordinated, cross-island advocacy.
The motion to approve the resolution was made, seconded and carried 7 to 0.
Ending: Councilors said they will coordinate with neighboring communities and state contacts; the resolution does not allocate town funds and is framed as intermunicipal advocacy rather than a funding commitment.
