Warren Democrats support reproductive health bills

The Warren Democratic Town Committee passed a resolution in support of The Reproductive Health Care Act by a vote of 18-0, with one abstention, at its May meeting. 

Craig O'Connor, Director of Public Policy and Government Relations for Planned Parenthood of Southern New England, spoke to the group regarding the importance of bills H-5343 and S-274. He told the committee that his organization has been hearing from many people in Rhode Island who are surprised and unaware that current Rhode Island legislation offers little protection for women’s reproductive rights. And given the Trump administration in Washington will likely tip the balance of the Supreme Court, there is increased concern that the Roe v. Wade decision may be revisited — giving relevance again to Rhode Island state law which outlaws abortion. The bills before the General Assembly would codify the protections of Roe v. Wade at the state level.

“Members of our committee approached me about being more engaged with legislative actions at the State House," Chairman Steve Thompson said. “I believe it is important for the committee to hear from policy makers and also issue based organizations on the work they are doing. I along with several of our committee members attended the first Rhode Island Women’s Democratic Caucus meeting back in February. One of the most surprising issues to people who attended was the lack of protections in Rhode Island state law regarding women's reproductive health issues. I think the state Democratic party heard the message loud and clear and that helped fuel this legislative effort."

The Warren Democratic Town Committee also this month hosted Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea, who spoke about the “In Person Early Voting” bills (H-5700 and S-619) she is working on with the General Assembly.  Secretary Gorbea told the group she has been working with stakeholders to revise the bill which would allow in-person early voting 20 days prior to the election (during the week) and on the Saturday and Sunday before the election, from noon to 4 p.m. The committee will consider a resolution in support of In Person Early voting at its June meeting.