Reproductive Health Care Act (H 7340, S 2163)

With the constitutional protections of Roe v. Wade hanging in the balance in light of a divided U.S. Supreme Court, pro-choice organizations including the ACLU made a major push this year to ensure that the reproductive rights Rhode Islanders have today continue regardless of what happens in the courts tomorrow. Legislation was introduced codifying the principles of Roe v. Wade into state law, and repealing a number of state laws on the books that have been declared unconstitutional over the years, including a spousal notice requirement. The ACLU testified before the House Judiciary committee in April and before the Senate Judiciary committee in May. Unfortunately, neither committee took action on the bill before the legislature adjourned for the year.