Word of a possible nullification of Roe v. Wade by the U.S. Supreme Court sparked a pro-rights demonstration at the Rhode Island State House on Tuesday night. Three years ago, the Rhode Island General Assembly approved bills that codified into state law the rights which are guaranteed by the landmark case.
A couple of legislators are now pushing the Equality in Abortion Coverage Act, which would grant health insurance coverage for the procedure to people who are on state worker plans and Rhode Island Medicaid.
Meantime, Governor McKee has signed a letter of support with 16 other governors, including Connecticut for abortion rights.
"I trust women to make their own health care decisions in consultation with their health care provider," said Governor Dan McKee. “Here in Rhode Island, we stand firmly in defense of a woman's right to choose. We are grateful to have Roe v. Wade codified in state law, but Congress must take action on the federal level to protect the rights of all Americans to access reproductive health care."
There were dozens of protests throughout the state yesterday.
There are more planned for the steps of the Capital in Providence later today.
(Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)