The Woman Project has been working since early 2017 to pass the Reproductive Health Care Act, legislation that would protect Roe v. Wade in Rhode Island no matter what happens at the federal level. Through our travels around the state we have had thousands of conversations in nearly every community about the status of reproductive health care, including abortion in Rhode Island. Through these conversations was have also heard firsthand how the right to abortion care is tied to many different issues.
Today you are hearing H. 7891 which would allow the department of motor vehicles to issue driving privilege to applicants regardless of their documentation. While this will of course make our roads safer and ensure all drivers carry automobile insurance, it will also help people receive needed health care, including abortion.
We know that without the ability to legally drive women attempting to access health care will put their family at risk. We believe that women no matter their zip code, or immigration status, should have access to health care including abortion. Issuing drivers licenses is a life saver for women and their families. That is why we are submitting our testimony today in support of H. 7891. Thank you for the consideration and we are hopeful this bill will be pasted out of committee and to the floor for a vote.
More on the scene, public comments and testimony given at the hearing.