Providence, R.I., Jun 20, 2019 / 10:00 am
Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo signed the Reproductive Privacy Act on Wednesday. The act codifies the Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade into state law.
The law permits unrestricted access to abortion at any time up to "fetal viability," a disputed term with no fixed scientific meaning. Even after supposed viability, abortion will still be legal in cases where the life or health of the mother is at risk.
Raimondo, a Catholic, said when signing the bill that the abortion issue was a difficult one and that "there are good and principled people on both sides of the issue."
"But in light of all the uncertainty in Washington, and frankly, around the country in many other states, there is a great deal of anxiety that … a woman's right to access reproductive healthcare is in danger," said Raimondo.