As attacks on transgender and gender diverse community members get louder and bolder, we’re thrilled to see Rhode Island legislators doing the right thing by introducing The Health Care Provider Shield Act (The Shield Bill).
This bill was introduced in early February 2024 and is led by sponsors: Sen. Dawn Euer (S2262) and Rep. John Edwards (H7577) and multiple colleagues. It’s designed to protect doctors who provide gender-affirming and reproductive medical care from the laws of other states that have banned access to this type of healthcare.
“As multiple states have passed bans on abortion and transgender health care in recent years, authorities in some states, such as Texas, have also sought to intimidate or otherwise punish physicians or facilities in other states who provide such essential care to their residents. Eleven other states – including Massachusetts and Connecticut – and the District of Columbia have already passed health care shield laws to protect providers and patients and ensure their states remain desirable places to practice medicine. (Article)
After varying versions of this bill, The RI Health Care Provider Shield Act passed the House and Senate, waiting on a signature from Governor Dan McKee. It is a bill that will limit risks of hostile out-of-state laws banning abortion, transgender health care but not fully remove those protections sought in the original version of S2262.
S2262- Sub B passes the House and Senate on June 13, 2024!
PR Release: “Legislature Passes Bill to Safeguard Rhode Island’s Health Care System and Access to Essential Care”
Join us as we organize in support of this bill and this community as well as more!
