Governor Raimondo signs controversial abortion rights bill into law
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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – The controversial abortion rights legislation is now Rhode Island law.
Governor Gina Raimondo signed the bill into law Wednesday shortly after both the House and Senate voted on it.
Supporters and protesters alike started gathering at the State House early Wednesday morning ahead of the Senate vote, which didn’t happen until after 6 P.M.
“This bill is this chamber and this legislature performing our responsibility to the citizens of the state of Rhode Island,” said Senator Erin Lynch Prata before the Senate vote.
Despite several attempts to amend the bill in both the house and the senate, all amendments were ultimately defeated, angering pro life supporters.
“All of you! How could you not vote for a woman – for a baby to be ripped apart! In the womb! That’s hideous!” said Minority Whip Elaine Morgan.
After passing the Senate 21-17, the bill traveled back to the house for another vote. It passed the House 45-29.
“On behalf of every woman,” said bill sponsor Anastasia Williams, “And every girl, I move the passage of 5125 Sub A, as amended.”
Minutes later, the bill made its way to the desk of the governor for signing, in the company of advocates and the legislators who worked on the bill.
“Fundamentally, this bill is about healthcare,” said Governor 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.”
Pro-Life supporters say they hope to vote out the legislators who voted yes on this bill.
With this bill now law, nothing will change. The law will just protect a woman’s right to choose should anything be changed at the federal level.
©WLNE-TV / ABC6 2019
