Democrats Legalize Abortion Up Until Birth in Rhode Island
Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo signs bill into law to cheers and applause
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Democrats in Rhode Island have legalized abortions up until the point of birth in the state.
Rhode Island's Democratic Governor Gina Raimondo signed a bill into law that legalizes abortions up to birth in the northeastern state.
The Democrat-controlled state Senate voted Wednesday to pass the radical bill that allows late-term abortions on viable unborn babies, including partial-birth and dismemberment abortions.
Despite recent amendments providing some limits on late-term abortions, the bill still allows them for the “health” of the mother, a term so broadly defined that almost any situation could qualify.
The executive director of the Rhode Island Right to Life Committee, Barth Bracy, described the legislation as a “New York-style abortion expansion bill.”
The state’s Democrat governor signed the bill, HB 5125, shortly after the legislature gave it the final approval.
The bill passed the Senate 21 to 17 and passed the House 45 to 29.
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Governor Raimondo called the measure an “important, consequential bill,” according to The Associated Press.
“Fundamentally, this bill is about healthcare,” said Raimondo.
“The majority of Rhode Islanders are for it.
"Which isn’t to say it’s not controversial, and I hear from both sides, but I believe it’s the right thing to do.”
The Reproductive Privacy Act says that Rhode Island will not restrict a mother’s right to obtain an abortion before the baby is able to survive outside of the womb.
The bill also says Rhode Island will allow abortions after fetal viability if the mother’s health is at risk, effectively allowing abortion up until birth.
The bill also repeals several chapters of Rhode Island General Laws on abortion that charge doctors with murder and jail time for inducing miscarriages and declare dying admissions of women who die during abortion procedures to be used as evidence in homicides.
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Lawmakers intend for the bill to protect abortion access in the event that Roe v. Wade is overturned, the AP reported.
Rhode Island Catholic Bishop Thomas Tobin reacted to the news in a tweet, saying that it is “a very dark day in the history of our state.”
“The passage of the pro-abortion law in R.I. is profoundly disappointing, a very dark day in the history of our state,” Tobin said.
“But … to the pro-life community, sincere appreciation!
"Your witness to the dignity of human life has been powerful, peaceful and prayerful. God is pleased!”
The passage of the pro-abortion law in R.I. is profoundly disappointing, a very dark day in the history of our state. But...to the pro-life community, sincere appreciation! Your witness to the dignity of human life has been powerful, peaceful and prayerful. God is pleased!
— Bishop Thomas Tobin (@ThomasJTobin1) June 20, 2019
“And don’t be discouraged by this very temporary set-back,” Tobin added.
“We will continue to oppose the prevailing culture of death in our society and faithfully and joyfully proclaim the goodness and beauty of life! God bless you!”
