Newport Hospital’s birthing center is getting its own line item — and funding — in Gov. Dan McKee’s proposed fiscal 2027 budget. McKee announced the addition of $1.6 million for Brown University Health’s labor-and-delivery unit in a press release Monday.

Brown Health wants state aid for Newport Hospital birthing center. Lawmakers want answers first. Brown University Health made a hazy promise to keep Newport Hospital’s birthing center open if it can secure an extra $4.9 million in state and philanthropic aid.