Last month, Planned Parenthood Votes! Rhode Island Political Action Committee (PPV!RI PAC) proudly unveiled its initial endorsements for the upcoming 2024 General Assembly elections. This diverse group of 66 candidates, comprising 23 for the Rhode Island Senate and 43 for the Rhode Island House of Representatives, is dedicated to championing reproductive rights and expanding access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care, including abortion, for all Rhode Islanders.
"In the face of escalating threats to abortion access nationally, the role of state governments in safeguarding reproductive freedom has never been more crucial. Here in Rhode Island, we have a unique opportunity and responsibility to elect leaders who will vigorously defend our rights and enact policies that enhance vital health care access," said Amanda Skinner, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Votes! Rhode Island and a member of PPV!RI PAC, "We've seen firsthand the impact of proactive advocacy when we send unwavering supporters of abortion access to the State House. That's why we proudly endorse this year’s Planned Parenthood Votes! Rhode Island PAC-backed candidates. Rhode Island's Planned Parenthood patients are relying on us."
Over the past five years, Rhode Island has achieved significant milestones in advancing reproductive freedom, including the passage of the Reproductive Privacy Act, the Equality in Abortion Coverage Act, and the Health Care Provider Shield Act. These legislative victories underscore Rhode Island's commitment to protecting and expanding abortion access under state law, largely thanks to the substantial presence of PPV!RI PAC-endorsed candidates in the General Assembly.
"For those opposed to abortion, overturning Roe v. Wade was merely the beginning. Their ultimate aim has always been to exert complete control over our bodies and medical decisions," asserted Gretchen Raffa, Vice President of Public Policy, Advocacy, and Organizing at Planned Parenthood Votes! Rhode Island, and Treasurer of PPV!RI PAC. "We urge all Rhode Islanders to stand with us in supporting incumbent General Assembly members who have championed reproductive freedom, as well as electing new leaders to the State House who are steadfast in defending our rights, ensuring that critical legislation continues to advance unimpeded."
The data shows that Rhode Island voters overwhelmingly support abortion rights, with 70% affirming that abortion should be legal in all or most cases. This majority spans across gender, race, and age demographics, with 62% of Independents and 57% of Catholics supporting legal abortion in most cases.
The 2024 election is our time to decide. Planned Parenthood Votes! Rhode Island is committed to supporting unapologetic supporters of abortion access, up and down the ballot, who are with us and unafraid to fight. We demand the power to decide what’s best for our families, our bodies, our lives, and our futures. For politicians who oppose abortion, ending Roe v Wade was just a warm-up lap. The end goal has always been full control of our bodies and our medical decisions. But we decide our futures, not out-of-touch politicians.
Know this: At no point during a pregnancy should politicians’ personal opinions have a say in medical decisions we make with our doctors and our families. All the freedoms we’ve fought for are on the line this year, and WE DECIDE what comes next.
See the full list of PPV!RI PAC endorsements here.
Tags: Election, candidate endorsements, 2024