In Historic Victory for Abortion Access, Rhode Island Lawmakers Enact the Equality in Abortion Coverage Act

The EACA repeals the state’s long standing ban on Medicaid coverage of abortion 

Providence, RI – In a historic victory for reproductive freedom, Rhode Island lawmakers  approved the Equality in Abortion Coverage Act (EACA). Shortly after the bill passed the Senate, Gov. Daniel McKee signed the EACA into law, eliminating a discriminatory ban on public funding for abortion and ensuring that the nearly 90,000 reproductive-aged Rhode Islanders enrolled in Medicaid or state employee insurance plans have access to abortion coverage.

"Today, we celebrate a hard-earned victory in safeguarding reproductive rights and upholding the fundamental human right to health care in Rhode Island," said Amanda Skinner, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Votes! Rhode Island. "We are here today because of the dedication of so many legislative champions, advocates, and Rhode Islanders who have worked tirelessly to ensure that all individuals can make their own medical decisions, including the decision to have an abortion, without political interference and without facing financial barriers. We are savoring this win and looking ahead to the next horizon for advancing reproductive freedom for all."

The fight for the EACA has been championed by advocates who understood the need for this legislation. And this year, at a critical time for abortion access, the EACA passed through both the House and Senate with support from a diverse coalition of lawmakers.

"This victory could not have been possible without the leadership of bill sponsors House Majority Whip Katherine Kazarian and Senator Bridget Valverde, the House and Senate leadership who prioritized expanding access to abortion care, and Governor McKee for including funding for the EACA in his budget," said Gretchen Raffa, vice president of public policy, advocacy & organizing at Planned Parenthood Votes! Rhode Island.  “Thanks to their leadership, Rhode Islanders will no longer be denied coverage for abortion based on who they are or what they earn.”

The EACA’s passage is a step forward for reproductive freedom for all. Rhode Island joins 16 other states, including Connecticut and Massachusetts, that have added abortion coverage to their state Medicaid plans. Medicaid restrictions, including the federal Hyde Amendment, have an outsized impact on Black and Latino people, who are more likely to be enrolled in Medicaid because of disparities caused by systemic racism and discrimination. Without insurance coverage, people seeking abortion must pay out-of-pocket for care — a substantial barrier, especially for people who have low incomes. By eliminating the state’s coverage restrictions for state employees and Medicaid recipients, Rhode Island lawmakers have expanded access to care for people in the state, regardless of their income. 

“Today, Rhode Island has taken a leap forward for reproductive freedom,” said Alexis McGill Johnson, president of Planned Parenthood Action Fund. “The Equality in Abortion Care Act will help reduce financial barriers to accessing abortion in the state. This change is especially meaningful for Black and Latino Rhode Islanders, who are disproportionately affected by bans on abortion coverage. Passing this bill demonstrates that leaders in Rhode Island recognize the importance of ensuring access to abortion, especially now when 19 states have eliminated all or some access. Planned Parenthood Action Fund applauds the leadership of Rhode Island advocates who have fought tirelessly to make this change a reality.” 

Planned Parenthood Votes! Rhode Island extends heartfelt gratitude to the engaged supporters and advocates of Rhode Island for their invaluable support. It is through their active engagement and unwavering advocacy that this monumental victory has become a reality.

Looking ahead, PPV!RI remains committed to advancing legislation that supports broadening abortion access for all individuals. 

For more information about Planned Parenthood Votes! Rhode Island, visit ppvotes.org.