Protesters take to State House demanding emergency session for abortion protection

Angry cries echoed on the State House lawn Thursday night as dozens of protesters are pressuring the general assembly to call an emergency session to pass a bill that would protect a woman’s right to have an abortion on the state level.

This comes as US Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy announced his retirement, opening up another vacant seat on the nation’s highest court.

Many believe when President Trump announces a replacement, he will tilt the balance of the court and a landmark case allowing women to have the right to an abortion may be overturned; in a case referred simply as Roe v. Wade.

The Reproductive Health Care Bill was introduced by several lawmakers two years ago, but it’s lingered in the house ever since. It would protect the right to have an abortion even if Roe v. Wade is overturned in the future by the US Supreme Court.

One of the bill’s co-sponsors Rep. Aaron Regunberg is demanding action by leaders at the State House to call the session and pass the bill before it’s too late.

"We have laws on the books right now that would make a woman’s right to choose illegal," he said. "For two years, leadership in this building has dismissed our calls."

Thursday’s protest was organized by The Woman Project, and one member from Newport, Susan Razza, is outraged that lawmakers seem to be turning their backs on women in Rhode Island.

"We need to have this come to the floor for a vote so that the people in Rhode Island can see where their politicians stand on this issue," she said. "I’m angry."

Protesters said they would like to have the special session set before July 31, Justice Kennedy’s last day.