Big News in Little Rhode Island: The Reproductive Privacy Act is Signed Into Law

Reproductive Freedom Codified into Rhode Island Law

Kristina Contreras Fox celebrates with fist in air
after the Reproductive Privacy Act is passed into Rhode Island Law
Tracy Ramos and Jill Sypole are next to Kristina

We are celebrating here in Rhode Island tonight, after the passage of the Reproductive Privacy Act, which codifies into law the protections under Roe v Wade, so that no matter what happens on the federal level, Rhode Islanders will have a right to safe, legal abortion.

Activists and Lawmakers celebrate the passage of  the Reproductive Privacy Act 

You'd think in a very blue state like Rhode Island this would not be too diffcult, but looks can be deceiving. This was a BATTLE. At times, I did not think this was going to happen. It took a lot of work and activism and protests and postcards and emails and tweets and posts and letters and donations, etc etc etc to get this passed by the Senate and the House and signed into law by Governor Raimondo on this historic night.

Gov Gina Raimondo sign the RPA into Rhode Island Law on Juneteenth 2019

But it happened, and that's what matters.

Me with my State Senator, Sam Bell

I moved to Providence just two short years ago--but I definitely feel at home already. I am SO PROUD to be a Rhode Islander today. I am so thankful to all the people who worked so hard to get the Reproductive Privacy Act passed and signed in to law. This piece from UpriseRI covers Governor Gina Raimondo's signing event, including video of her signing the act into law.

Celebration in Rotunda of Rhode Island State House after RPA Passed

I want to assure anyone who's feeling low and helpless that getting involved in the local level helps--you will feel empowered and you will see that you can make a difference. Plus, you get to meet so many great people, like I have in The Woman Project HQ and the Rhode Island Democratic Party Women's Caucus!

Reproductive Rights Are Human Rights

In fact, I am currently serving as the Public Relations and Communications Subcommittee Chair for the Rhode Island Democratic Party Women's Caucus. If you go to the RIDPWC Facebook page, or our Twitter feed, you can see more of the photos and videos I posted from the Rhode Island State House today. If you are a woman in Rhode Island, please consider joining the Caucus!

Medical Students from Brown University at the
Rhode Island State House in Rhode in support of the RPA

I'm a big fan of the podcast Gaslit Nation. More than once this past year, I found myself driving from work to an activist meeting, feeling so tired, contemplating going home instead, meanwhile listening to GaslistNation. And hosts Sarah Kendzior and Andrea Chalupa's encouragement to get involved at the local level literally compelled me to keep going. Their Action Guide is full of great advice, including getting involved at the local level, which is exactly what I did.

Celebrating in the Bell Room of the State House in Rhode Island
after the RPA passes the RI Senate

It's hard to cope with everything going on right now. Believe me, I know. But things like today's passage and signing of the Reproductive Privacy Act into law can fortify us. Work hard, fight hard, act local--you can make a difference.

A young protestor holds a quilt in support of abortion rights

We did in Rhode Island today. And it feels really good.

The Rhode Island State House
lit up for Pride Month on Juneteenth 2019
on the night of the passage of the RPA

What a fricken day. Democracy is amazing.

Protestor's sign "Democracy ROARS"