It’s go time — we have a hearing for the Equality in Abortion Coverage Act (EACA) and we need YOU to show up and show your support!
Join us Monday, March 6th at 2 p.m. in Room 35 (Lower Level) to testify and 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! JOIN US ON MONDAY – we need to show up in FORCE!
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 NEXT MONDAY, March 6th starting at 2pm in Room 35 at the State House. Try to show up early to get on the list. It will be a big day at the State House with ridiculous anti-abortion bills also being considered.
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]. Include “FOR H5006 and AGAINST H5228 and AGAINST H5047 ” in the subject and try to get it in right away, so it will make the deadline for written testimony.
3) Make ONE call TODAY and/or over the weekend.
Call Rep. Bob Craven to urge him to get this bill passed out of committee. Sample Message: “I am calling in support of H5006. 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. That includes halting H5228 and H5047, which are harmful attacks mimicking attacks in other states. We should put health and rights before agendas. Thank you.”
4) Send an email RIGHT NOW to the House Judiciary committee members.
Copy and paste these addresses into an email to committee members: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected] – include the clerk, [email protected].
Sample message:
“I am writing to urge you to vote YES on H5006, the Equality in Abortion Coverage Act when it comes before you on Monday, March 6th. 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. That is why I am also urging you to vote no on H5047 and H5228, copycat bills from other states that denigrate abortion providers and insert vague language that could meddle with the provision of abortion and other pregnancy related care. Please, vote yes on H5006 and no on H5047 and H5228. Thank you.”
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. Not to mention that 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.