PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Nine state lawmakers in the Rhode Island House have removed their names from an abortion rights bill they originally supported.
There were originally 36 Democratic co-sponsors of a bill introduced last month to protect a woman’s right to have an abortion.
The main sponsor, Providence Democratic Rep. Edith Ajello, says it ensures abortion remains safe and that the state can’t interfere with a woman preventing or terminating a pregnancy before fetal viability.
But other Democrats dropped out after anti-abortion activists called it extreme.
Representatives who took their names off the bill are: Michael Morin, of Woonsocket; Marvin Abney, of Newport; Charlene Lima, of Cranston; Helder Cunha, of East Providence; Robert Jacquard, of Cranston; Raymond Johnston, of Pawtucket; Dennis Canario, of Portsmouth; Carlos Tobon, of Pawtucket; and Mia Ackerman, of Cumberland.
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