2 abortion-rights bills introduced in legislature

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – Two proposals to codify the protections of Roe v. Wade in Rhode Island law have been introduced to keep abortion legal in the state.

Rep. Edith Ajello and Sen. Gayle Goldin, both Providence Democrats, re-introduced the Reproductive Health Care Act in the House and Senate on Wednesday. The bill would codify that abortion is legal under Rhode Island law, even if the U.S. Supreme Court were to overturn Roe v. Wade.

The proposal has 39 representatives and 17 senators co-sponsoring.

A similar, more narrowly-worded bill was also introduced Wednesday, with five sponsors.

A Planned Parenthood of Southern New England’s policy arm spokeswoman says the group continues to support the RHCA, but will review the new bill.

Democratic Speaker Nicholas Mattiello has said he is open to considering the bills

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