By WPRO News and the Associated Press
House approves abortion rights bill
After approval from the House Judiciary committee on Tuesday and roughly four hours of floor debate on Thursday, the Rhode Island House approved the Reproductive Privacy Act, a bill that supporters say is an “insurance policy” in case Roe vs. Wade is overturned on a federal level.
“I am so happy that my colleagues saw fit to protect the women and girls in the state of Rhode Island before Washington comes down and does something crazy,” said Representative Anastasia Williams, the bill’s prime House sponsor.
Abortion rights bill PASSES the @RIHouseofReps 44-30. #WPRO pic.twitter.com/aYBSdHLtVx
— Tessa Roy (@Tessa_Roy) March 8, 2019
The bill had been amended to keep partial birth abortions banned in the state and to ban late term abortions except to preserve the health or life of a mother.
Pro choice representatives defended the bill, making the argument that women should be trusted to make their own decisions. Representative Justine Caldwell attempted to dispel some of the claims made by opponents.
“We’ve heard horror stories about what we want. But those simply aren’t true. I’m a mom, not a monster. I’m about to become an aunt, and I have my niece’s sonogram hanging up on my refrigerator,” she said.
Representative Arthur Corvese, who is pro life, argued the bill wasn’t necessary.
“They will never overturn Roe vs. Wade. As much as I’d personally like to see it, that will never happen,” he said.
The bill was approved without the support of House Speaker Nick Mattiello, who said he respects the majority that believes in abortion rights but is personally pro-life in a number of ways.
“You’re talking to someone who loves people, loves animals. I have two golden retrievers. I don’t kill bugs in my house. I wrap them up and put them outside and my wife laughs at me,” he said.
Governor Gina Raimondo and House GOP Leader Blake Filippi reacted to the vote with WPRO hosts.
The bill now moves to the Senate.
Listen to “Ask the Governor with Governor Gina Raimondo 03/08/19” on Spreaker.
Listen to “Rep. Blake Filippi” on Spreaker.
Endorsements revoked
After the passage of the Reproductive Privacy Act, Rhode Island Right to Life rescinded its previous endorsements of certain lawmakers who voted in favor of the bill, including Speaker Mattiello. He joined WPRO’s Tara Granahan to discuss their move.
— RI Right to Life (@RIRTL) March 8, 2019
Listen to “Speaker Nick Mattiello” on Spreaker.
Bills to reduce plastic waste to be considered
According to Channel 12, Senate President Dominick Ruggerio’s Plastic Waste Reduction Act would encourage retailers to offer recyclable bags and add penalties for violations.
A second bill would ban food service establishments from providing single-use plastic straws unless requested, and another would ban retail stores from providing plastic bags as well as foam disposable food containers.
The state Senate Environment and Agriculture Committee is set to hear the legislation Monday.
