Legislation

The General Assembly once again considered a spate of anti-abortion legislation, including legislation prohibiting women who get an insurance plan tax credit from buying a plan that includes any abortion coverage beyond life, rape, and incest – with no exception for women’s health.

In February, the ACLU testified before the House Corporations committee in support of legislation removing from the General Laws two provisions regarding health insurance coverage for abortion that were struck down long ago, following challenge by the ACLU.

Nationwide, women have historically been charged more for the same health insurance as men. This practice, known as gender rating, became illegal for certain health care plans under the federal Affordable Care Act, but gaps in Rhode Island law may allow the practice to continue.

In March, the ACLU testified before the House and Senate Judiciary committees in support of legislation to strengthen the state’s limitation on shackling pregnant incarcerated women.