(artwork by Beth Bell)
(There is a Mom’s Demand Action Event at 3pm too)
We need to show up and support the Equality in Abortion Coverage Act (EACA) when it is heard TUESDAY, MAY 31ST! Speak out to help get rid of bans on health coverage for abortion for state employees and the Medicaid program. So many people have been reaching out to express their anger and fear. We get it. This is your chance to make an impact!
4 THINGS YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW TO HELP PASS THIS IMPORTANT BILL
1) Sign up to testify.
It’s easy. Fill out this form, so we can provide you with support and details to get you there! Talking points and frequently asked questions may be found here. The hearing is scheduled for May 31st in Room 313 and will start at the “rise of the Senate”, which is around 4pm, but try to show up early to get on the list. It will be a big day at the State House with bills also being considered on gun violence reform. We need to show up IN FORCE to push for change together.
We know it takes time – and a little bravery, but we will be there with you and it is SOOOOO important that we be there in numbers. We know our opposition will be there. We need you!
2) Submit Written Testimony.
Written testimony needs to be submitted to the clerk: [email protected].
3) Make ONE call TODAY and/or over the weekend.
Call S (401-276-5583) and urge Senator Cindy Coyne to get this bill passed out of her committee. Sample Message: “I am calling in support of S2549. Many people in our state are struggling to get by. We should not make it worse by taking away affordable access to abortion services. Please, do all you can to pass this bill this year and get rid of harmful bans on health coverage for abortion. This is critical to closing gaps in access to care.”
4) Send an email RIGHT NOW to the Senate Judiciary committee members.
Copy and paste these addresses into an email to committee members: [email protected]; [email protected].
Sample message: “I am writing to urge you to vote YES on S2549, the Equality in Abortion Coverage Act when it comes before you on Tuesday, May 31st. Rhode Island voters pushed to protect the right to abortion. This bill makes sure that state employees and low-income people can afford care by getting rid of discriminatory bans on health coverage for abortion. Please, support this important legislation. We should eliminate barriers to health services, not make it harder to get.”
It will only take a moment – please, send an email TODAY!
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We all worked so hard to protect the right to abortion and the right is under attack, but there is no right if people can’t afford to get an abortion because their health insurance won’t cover it. This is a matter of reproductive and racial justice. It is an issue of health equity. Do not delay. If you can testify, awesome! If not, please at least make ONE phone call and SEND an email to the committee members TODAY – and keep it up.
Please, do what you can to help push this important — and needed — policy change! CLICK HERE AND LET US KNOW THAT YOU ARE IN – different options to help pass the bill.