RI Gov.McKee Protecting Those Who Get Abortions From Out Of State Laws

RHODE ISLAND — Gov. Dan McKee on Tuesday signed an executive order protecting access to abortions and other reproductive health care in Rhode Island. Specifically, McKee's order safeguards people who come to Rhode Island for reproductive health services from legal liability in other states.

"Women should be trusted with their own health care decisions, and here in Rhode Island, we firmly support a right to choose," McKee said in a statement. "The executive order I signed today ensures that Rhode Island will continue to stand up for reproductive health care, especially in response to the shameful U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade."

McKee's order also protects doctors and health care providers in Rhode Island who perform abortions and other reproductive services for people from another state, ensuring they do not lose their professional licenses or become subject to out-of-state charges.

"As other states attack the fundamental right to choose, Rhode Island must do all it can to protect a person's access to reproductive health care," said Lt. Governor Sabina Matos. "This executive order will ensure that anyone seeking this type of care anywhere in the country can do so in Rhode Island without fear of consequence. Thank you, Governor McKee, for taking this critical step."

The order also prohibits any Rhode Island executive department agencies from assisting another state's investigation into a person or entity for receiving or delivering reproductive health services. It also says that Rhode Island will not cooperate with extradition requests from other states pursuing criminal charges.

Last Friday, Governor McKee joined President Biden and nine Governors from across the country to discuss state and federal efforts to defend reproductive rights.