To say we are thrilled does not even come close. Last night, by a vote of 49-24, the Rhode Island House of Representatives passed the Equality in Abortion Coverage Act (EACA), which would include insurance coverage for abortion in the state Medicaid program and associated plans and include coverage in the insurance plan used by state employees. This is a big step forward that was years in the making and would not have happened without YOU!
The calls you’ve made, emails you have sent, events and rallies you have attended, and advocacy gatherings you participated in have all led to this moment. The right to abortion doesn’t truly exist if people seeking care can’t afford to access it. All Rhode Islanders should have affordable health care, including when they need an abortion!
The EACA is gaining steam.
Let’s see it through & get it passed this year!
(1) Call and email Senate President Ruggerio (401-222-6655, [email protected]).
Message: “I am a Rhode Island voter. I am urging you to get the Equality in Abortion Coverage Act to the floor this year! This bill is needed to make the right to abortion real.”
(2) Find your Senator (Bit.ly/FindRILegislators) and contact them!
- Make a call:
“Hello. I am a Rhode Island voter and your constituent. I am urging you to vote YES on S32, the Equality in Abortion Coverage Act as it moves to the Senate.” - Send a short email:
“Hello. As your constituent, I am writing to urge you to please support S32, the Equality in Abortion Coverage Act when it comes to the Senate. This bill is an important part of truly protecting the right to abortion in our state. It is also critical to continuing to improve health equity and close gaps in care. Vote yes on this important bill. Thank you.”
No matter what kind of insurance you use, you should get to control your body, and plan your family and future. We are grateful to the lead House sponsor and Whip, Rep. Katie Kazarian, as well as to every House member who voted yes yesterday night!
Want to see how your member voted? Check it out below – and then let them know if they voted to support your values. Take a moment to thank the folks who stood with us.
Barriers to health care are rooted in white supremacy and they perpetuate racial and economic inequities. We are proud that we have built a strong movement to advance the EACA and address this inequity. We have amazing partners and legislative champions working side by side. But most of all we have YOU and thousands of activists across the state.
Please, make the calls and send the emails. You can also join us next week. We have a group of health professionals coming together to lobby on Tuesday, May 2nd and our re-scheduled grassroots lobby day next Thursday! Click here for more info or contact us to find out how you can help at the State House and back home in your district!
We are going to get this done THIS YEAR! Onwards together!