Advocates Commend Governor for a Budget that Protect Abortion Access

Groups from across the state are celebrating McKee living up to his commitment to introduce an FY 24 budget that does not include bans on health coverage for abortion.

[Providence, RI] – Statement from Steering Committee members of the Campaign for Equal Abortion Coverage on the release of Governor McKee’s FY 24 budget:

“Earlier today, Governor Dan McKee introduced his proposed budget for 2024. We are thrilled that he included health coverage for abortion for state employees and people who use Medicaid. This is such an exciting move forward after years of advocacy.

For too long, access to abortion services have been restricted based on the type of health insurance people use. Our campaign partners and countless Rhode Islanders fought hard to protect the right to an abortion in our state, and in these post-Roe days, that is something to be proud of. By making strides to ensure that services are affordable, the Governor and his Administration are showing real leadership on this issue. People should not be denied the ability to make decisions about their healthcare simply because they use a public health program to afford health services.

This legislative session, we look forward to working with the Administration and the General Assembly to ensure harmful abortion bans stay out of the budget. Passing the Equality in Abortion Coverage Act (H5006 and S32) will also be critical, so that no one has to wait year to year to see if the state budget reflects the values of Rhode Island and the commitment to reproductive freedom. There is still work to be done to see this through and get the EACA enacted, but today we celebrate. Thank you, Governor McKee.”