Gorbea Criticizes McKee on Abortion Coverage - Shekarchi and Ruggerio Say She Never Contacted Them

Gorbea Criticizes McKee on Abortion Coverage - Shekarchi and Ruggerio Say She Never Contacted Them

Rhode Island Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea issued a press release and held a press conference calling on Governor Dan McKee to sign an executive order that would fill the void as the Equality in Abortion Coverage Act (EACA) failed to pass this last session.

“I am tired of hearing excuses from the governor on why this legislation isn’t getting passed,” said Gorbea on Tuesday, who is facing McKee in the Democratic primary. “We need leadership who is willing to use their power to protect the rights of women and families in Rhode Island.”

The EACA would stop the bans on health coverage for abortion.

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“We need leadership who is willing to use their power to protect the rights of women and families in Rhode Island," said Gorbea. 

 

Gorbea Has Not Pushed for Passage of the Legislation

According to the spokespersons for both Speaker of the House Joe Shekarchi and Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, Gorbea never contacted them about the legislation.

In June, thousands protested at the State House, calling for a special session. 

The two spokespersons also said she has not contacted the legislative leaders calling for a special session to consider EACA. 

When asked why she has not contacted Shekarchi or Ruggerio, Gorbea’s campaign refused to respond.

McKee's team fired back at Gorbea. 

"For Governor McKee, women’s reproductive rights is not about politics or grandstanding, it’s about protecting women and their health care decisions. While he’s Governor, those rights will always be protected. He was proud to sign an executive order further enshrining reproductive rights in Rhode Island," said Alana O'Hare, the McKee campaign spokesperson.

McKee signed an Executive Order earlier in July protecting access to reproductive health care in Rhode Island, ensuring that individuals who come to Rhode Island seeking reproductive health services will be safeguarded from legal liability in other states.

"While Governor McKee is focused on taking action that gets things done, Nellie Gorbea once again is just trying to grab headlines in the heat of a political campaign," added O'Hare.