Work Began: 2024 | Signed Into Law: June 27, 2024
TWP was proud member of the coalition for the Healthcare Provider Shield Act!
Signed into law on June 27, 2024, this act protects Rhode Island healthcare providers who deliver abortion and reproductive services from out-of-state investigations or lawsuits, where access to this type of healthcare has been banned. TWP was instrumental in building a community engagement plan, to rally public support for the bill.
Reproductive and gender-affirming care can be provided in Rhode Island, without fear of prosecution from other states where these healthcare services are banned.
Here in Rhode Island, we are able to provide the care that Rhode Islanders need, including full-spectrum reproductive services and gender-affirming health care."
Dr. Heather A. Smith, OBGYN and president of the Rhode Island Medical Society
Official Statement from TWP:
As attacks on reproductive and trans healthcare grow louder, we’re thrilled to see Rhode Island legislators doing the right thing by supporting The Health Care Provider Shield Act (aka The Shield Bill)! Introduced in early February 2024, and led by sponsors Sen. Dawn Euer (S2262) and Rep. John Edwards (H7577), it’s designed to protect doctors who provide gender-affirming and reproductive medical care from the laws of other states, where access to this type of healthcare has been banned. While it decreases the risks, it does not provide all of the protections sought in the original version of S2262.
The Shield Act was made possible by the hard work of a dedicated coalition of local activists, advocates, organizations and legal minds, who we were proud to partner with. Rhode Island can now protect providers who are caring for people, when they need it most. This is a win for bodily freedom forever!