In Rhode Island, we have been working tirelessly to ensure that access to abortion and broader reproductive health care remains not only legal but widely accessible. In 2023, Rhode Island passed the Equality in Abortion Coverage Act (EACA), expanding abortion coverage under the state’s Medicaid program and lifting bans on abortion coverage for state employees and their dependents. This historic win for reproductive rights adds Rhode Island to the list of states that have defied the dangerous, discriminatory policy brought forward by the Hyde Amendment.
The Hyde Amendment is a federal law first enacted in 1976. Named after its sponsor, Representative Henry Hyde, the amendment restricts the use of federal funds to pay for abortions, making it more challenging for low-income individuals to access abortion care.
The passage of the EACA, the codification of the Affordable Care Act, and other victories this session stand as a testament to the ongoing support of reproductive freedom by Rhode Island’s elected officials, and another example of how when we fight, we win. However, the fight for reproductive autonomy is far from over. It requires continued mobilization, advocacy, and the recognition that reproductive rights are human rights.
We have increased our capacity to support critical advocacy and organizing work in Rhode Island this year by hiring Senior Director, External Affairs Vimala Phongsavanh. Vimala joined the PPSNE team in January 2023 and has quickly become a regular presence at the Rhode Island State House. She has made it a priority to deepen our existing relationships with other activists doing cross-movement work to advance reproductive freedom in the Ocean State. Vimala helps to lead the Rhode Island Coalition for Reproductive Freedom, which amplifies the voice and reach of multiple organizations and community partners working together to pass legislation to protect reproductive health care and expand health care access for all. Vimala also oversees our efforts to engage in more grassroots activism, including with organizations serving the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities of Rhode Island. Under Vimala’s leadership, we look forward to expanding opportunities for future advocates to join our fight for reproductive freedom.
Tags: Reproductive Rights, Rhode Island, advocacy