Abortion is a medical procedure that ends a pregnancy. The legality of abortion has been litigated in the U.S. Supreme Court and other courts since the 1973 case of Roe v. Wade.
In 2022, in the case titled Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health, the Supreme Court reversed its decision in Roe v. Wade. The legality of abortion—including access to the procedure and any restrictions on it—is now determined on a state by state basis, with each state's abortion laws applying only within its borders.
In Rhode Island, abortion is legal. The state has codified the right to abortion into law, ensuring access to this medical procedure even after the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade and allowed states to set their own abortion laws. Rhode Island's Reproductive Privacy Act, passed in 2019, protects the right to have an abortion prior to fetal viability, or afterward if necessary to preserve the health or life of the pregnant individual. The state does not have as many restrictive laws as some other states, such as mandatory waiting periods or forced counseling, but it does require parental consent for minors seeking an abortion. It's important to note that while abortion remains legal in Rhode Island, regulations and access can vary, and it is advisable to consult with an attorney for the most current legal guidance.