Three House Democrats joined Republicans in pushing for a vote on anti-choice legislation, including Rep. Ben McAdams, who said he wanted to see the issue come up for debate.
Kaine and Bennet’s bill wouldn’t address reproductive health care beyond requiring essential health benefits be covered, unlike other versions of a public option introduced in Congress.
Restrictions like Sen. Lindsay Graham's 20-week ban "are part of a broader agenda to take away women’s health and rights," said Dr. Leana Wen, president of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund.
One Democrat supported a bill introduced by Texas Republicans that would prohibit state agencies from penalizing workers who refuse to provide services based on religious belief.
Despite a powerful anti-choice lobby and the presence of anti-choice Democrats who have blocked the bill in the past, many Rhode Island lawmakers are determined to protect abortion rights.