The current attacks on Roe and access to abortion make it clear that we must take action now. We have seen tremendous momentum behind the campaign. We must ensure that no matter what happens at the federal level that here in our state we protect the right to abortion.
That is why celebrities and elected officials across the state and across the country have been speaking out to urge our state lawmakers to pass a bill this year! Mayor Jorge Elorza collaborated with The Womxn Project to release a video TODAY calling on lawmakers to get it done and encouraging activists to keep up the fight.
“We need to make sure that family planning decisions are made by women and not by lawmakers and we need to make sure that every woman in Rhode Island has access to legal and safe abortion care.” – Mayor Jorge Elorza (Providence)
Click here to see the mayor’s full video.
The mayor is in good company. City and town council members have also spoken out as part of the campaign.
In addition, last week former Democratic Presidential candidate and Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton spoke out to urge Rhode Islanders to contact their senators and advocate for passage. And just this week two current Democratic Presidential candidates added their voices to call for action – former Secretary of Housing & Urban Development and Mayor of San Antonio, Julian Castro and Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Senator from New York.
Let’s be frank. Voters have called for passage of a bill. The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, State Treasurer and Attorney General have stated their support. A majority of House members sponsored a bill and passed it earlier this year. Seventeen senators sponsored legislation and two have stated public support this session for the current policy. And thousands of volunteers keep showing up throughout the state and up at the State House to organize and rally in support.
So why haven’t we gotten this done – protected our rights?! Why are state senators continuing to delay and play political games with our health and our lives? No more waiting. There is too much at stake. We simply cannot afford to wait any longer.”
