RI Gets a "D+" in Reproductive Rights

RI Gets a "D+" in Reproductive Rights

Rhode Island received a “D+” for availability of reproductive and abortion services in a report released this week by the NARAL Pro-Choice America Foundation.

Rhode Island’s “D+” is the lowest grade among all New England states: Maine and Connecticut earned an “A,” Vermont and New Hampshire earned an “A-”, and Massachusetts a “B-”. However, Rhode Island ranks just above the national average of “D.”

Aspects of Rhode Island law that NARAL classifies as “anti-choice” include an abortion ban, biased counseling requirements [link], mandated parental consent, and spousal notice. In the report, NARAL describes Rhode Island’s abortion ban and spousal notice requirements as “unconstitutional and unenforceable.”

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NARAL also noted two “pro-choice” Rhode Island laws: health insurance companies that cover prescription medication must provide equal coverage for contraception, and some low-income women have access to Medicaid-funded family planning services.

The grading system used in the report rewards pro-choice laws and demerits anti-choice restrictions on abortion and other aspects of reproductive health care, particularly those considered legally enforceable. A detailed methodology for NARAL’s grading system can be found here.