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The news surrounding abortion laws across the United States is evolving daily. If you have any questions about the latest abortion law information, please do not hesitate to call Adoptions With Love.
Evolving abortion laws continue to spark debate across the United States, and abortion laws in Rhode Island might be on your mind. If you are living in the Ocean State and facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may be wondering if an abortion is still an option. Yes it is. Since Roe v. Wade was overturned in June of 2022, 21 states have banned or restricted abortion access. Considering the climate, questioning abortion law in Rhode Island is valid.
Rhode Island is one of 16 states with codified abortion rights. This means the state law protects the right for Rhode Islanders to obtain an abortion. In 2022, Gov. Dan McKee issued an executive order protecting those who travel to Rhode Island for abortions. Then in 2023, the governor signed the Equality in Abortion Coverage Act (EACA) into law. This law allows state funds to be used to pay for health insurance plans that cover state workers and Medicaid recipients who choose abortion.
If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy in Rhode Island, you likely have many questions surrounding your rights as an expectant parent. The first thing to know is that you have options. In this short guide, we will detail the abortion law in Rhode Island, what it means for you, and the many options available for expectant/birth parents in Rhode Island today.
Abortion Law in Rhode Island & How it Works
Facing an unplanned pregnancy as the country disputes abortion rights can be scary. It is hard to know which laws protect your rights. If you are living in Rhode Island, then you can legally obtain an abortion. In fact, Rhode Islanders have gained more access to abortion since Roe v. Wade was overturned.
In July of 2022, Gov. McKee signed an executive order to protect those who travel to Rhode Island for abortion care. This law protects those who seek an abortion and those who are providing an abortion, no matter what abortion bans exist in their home state.
When signing the executive order, Gov. McKee stated: “Women should be trusted with their own health care decisions, and here in Rhode Island, we firmly support a right to choose.”
Many activists in the state called for further action by the McKee administration, calling for the passing of the Equality in Abortion Coverage Act (EACA). Gov. McKee expressed support of the legislation, and, in May of 2023, made good on his promise.
When signing the EACA into law, Gov. McKee issued the following statement:
“Here in Rhode Island, we will always protect a woman’s right to choose and ensure equal access to these crucial health care services,” said Governor Dan McKee. “As Governor, I am proud to sign this bill into law and I was proud to include related funding in my budget proposal this year. Thank you to all the legislative leaders and advocates who worked tirelessly to get this legislation over the finish line.”
Lt. Governor Sabina Matos supported the move, stating:
“The purpose of Medicaid is to expand access to health care, not to limit it. I’m proud that after years of work, the passage of the Equality in Abortion Coverage Act has eliminated of unjust restrictions on who can afford to access to reproductive health care in Rhode Island. This victory for equity in health care was only possible due to the passionate advocacy of the citizens who made their voice heard year after year here at the State House.
Abortion law in Rhode Island is protected for residents as of this writing. If you are thinking about getting an abortion, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional first. Contact your doctor, OB-GYN, or Planned Parenthood in Providence. A medical professional can help you understand the risks, side effects, and methods for obtaining a safe abortion.
Adoption is Also an Option in Rhode Island
You may be considering other options for your unplanned pregnancy in Rhode Island. Adoption is another choice that you can make. We understand that adoption is not an alternative to abortion. We believe all expectant mothers should have the right to choose what is best for their bodies and their lives. For anyone who is not yet ready to be a parent, however, adoption is another option. It is a path that may be chosen at any point in pregnancy or beyond. It is never too late to make an adoption plan.
Adoption is not the right choice for everyone, but it can be a positive decision. Adoption gives expectant/birth mothers the freedom to pursue their personal and professional goals, while having the peace of mind in knowing that their child is safe, happy, and loved.
There are many more benefits for expectant/birth mothers who choose adoption in Rhode Island. With the help of a full-service adoption agency, like Adoptions With Love, you can choose the type of adoption plan that will best meet your needs, including:
- Open
- Semi-open
- Closed adoption
Open adoption is the most common choice for adoption plans today. It appeals to many expectant/birth mothers because it means there is ongoing communication between birth and adoptive families after the adoption is complete. Your adoption specialist can help you determine the terms of your open adoption plan. You can determine the form and frequency of communication, such as monthly phone calls or texts, annual in-person visits, social media messaging, etc.
The type of adoption plan you choose is as unique as you and your pregnancy. Only you can determine what is best. Whatever you choose, your adoption agency will support you and offer you the respect you deserve.
Pregnant in Rhode Island? Get the Support You Deserve
An unplanned pregnancy is an overwhelming experience. At Adoptions With Love, we understand the distress this situation can cause. Whether you are considering an abortion in Rhode Island or want to make an adoption plan for your child, we will support your decisions. It is important to understand the abortion law in Rhode Island before moving forward. We believe education is empowering, and it is important in helping someone make the right decision regarding their pregnancy.
No matter what path you choose to take, you deserve to have choices. As a private adoption agency in Rhode Island, we can offer those who choose adoption unbiased support and financial assistance.
If you choose adoption, we can help you create an adoption plan in Rhode Island. We can discuss your options as an expectant mother in the Ocean State and connect you with the resources you need to make the best possible decision for you and your child.
If you would like to learn more about adoption in Rhode Island or your choices in this journey, contact Adoptions With Love any time. We can discuss your options and will listen to you, free from judgment, pressure, and always free of charge, too.
Call us any time at 800-722-7731, text us confidentially at 617-777-0072, or contact us online. We can help you navigate the adoption journey every step of the way.