Showdown on Abortion Bill: Key Senator Blasts Sponsor of Bill and Offers New Legislation

Showdown on Abortion Bill: Key Senator Blasts Sponsor of Bill and Offers New Legislation

On Tuesday afternoon the Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to take up the Reproductive Health Care Act — the legislation that advocates say codifies the existing federal law, but opponents claim extends abortion rights.

Now, the swing vote on Judiciary says he will not support the pending bill, blasts the sponsors and has drafted his own legislation. Senator Stephen Archambault, District 22, (Smithfield, North Providence, Johnston) changed the dynamics of the politics on the Committee.

“As someone who believes in a woman’s right to choose and who thinks it is important to codify the protections of Roe v. Wade into state law given the current composition of the US Supreme Court, I am putting forward my own legislation that does just that. I do so because the legislation before us, S 152A, in its present form goes well beyond Roe v. Wade as currently interpreted by the US Supreme Court, and there has been no willingness by the sponsors to reach a principled compromise,” said Archambault in a statement issued on Monday night.

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Archambault’s criticism is focused on Senator Gayle Goldin, the sponsor of the legislation. He had been targeted by abortion rights advocates with mailers and canvassing in his district.

“While I am pro-choice, I do believe in reasonable restrictions on abortions, once a pregnancy moves beyond viability. Simply put, viability means when a fetus is so close to fully formed that it is likely to be able to survive outside the womb -- if born. Reasonable restrictions are permissible under Roe v. Wade as currently interpreted by the US Supreme Court,” said Archambault. 

“(Goldin’s bill) S152A, contrary to the claims of its sponsor, goes well beyond codifying Roe v. Wade and wipes out laws on the books that are clearly permissible under Roe v. Wade as currently interpreted, without replacing them with any new safeguards. I cannot support post-viability abortions that are based on undefined 'health' reasons and would permit very late term, up to date of birth, abortions. It simply goes too far," he said.

"My legislation, which I hope to offer as an amendment tomorrow, codifies Roe and protects women’s rights, but it also provides common sense safeguards post-viability, limiting late-term abortions. It is available for review tonight on my Facebook page and I will distribute it in tomorrow’s (Tuesday’s) Committee hearing," said Archambault. 

On Friday, Senate President surprised many by announcing the legislation would be considered by the Judiciary Committee.

“The Senate Judiciary Committee has scheduled a vote on the Senate and House versions of the abortion rights legislation for Tuesday. Out of respect for everyone who has dedicated so much time to reaching out to their legislators, coming to the State House, and making their voices heard, I believe that it is important that the committee call a vote on the legislation," said Ruggerio.

“I am pro-life, but I made a determination not to impose my personal views on the members of the committee. I did not interfere with the committee review process or attempt to influence the outcome. Should the bill come to the floor, I will vote in opposition to it.”

READ ARCHAMBAULT'S BILL HERE

RI Coalition Freedom Calls Achambault's Move a "Stunt"

The RI Coalition for Reproductive Freedom issued the following statement late Monday night. 

"The RI Coalition for Reproductive Freedom, and our partner organizations, are stunned to read the comments released by Senator Archambault about his interpretation of Senator Goldin’s bill S152A. It is clear that he is falling for the gross-misinformation campaign that opponents have been spreading for months. The Reproductive Health Care Act is the result of years of collaboration between lawmakers, community groups and the RI Coalition for Reproductive Freedom. It clearly upholds the status quo and ensures that a pregnant person can access safe, legal abortion, in consultation with her doctor, up to fetal viability.

Senator Archambault is clearly trying to circumvent the democratic process with this last minute stunt. 71% of Rhode Island voters indicate they want Rhode Island to protect access to safe, legal abortion -- and they are counting on the RI State Senate to pass the Reproductive Health Care Act, as the House did two months ago with their version of the bill. Senator Archambault’s actions tonight show he is trying to prevent this bill from being debated and voted on by the full chamber -- as was the stated intent by Senate President Ruggerio. We call on Senator Archambault, who claims to be pro-choice, to allow the democratic process to proceed and to vote to send this bill to the Senate floor for a full debate and vote by the entire membership."

Updated Tuesday 6:30 AM