FOR STARTERS HOT TOPIC
Could end of Roe give R.I. a boost? BY JACQUELYN VOGHEL | Voghel@PBN.com
WITH THE U.S. SUPREME COURT overturning Roe v. Wade, some observers say the contentious decision could make Rhode Island and other states in the Northeast with abortion protections more attractive to companies and skilled workers looking to move. But others note that any migration would depend on whether workers and companies see the state as affordable and business-friendly. The Ocean State’s existing reproductive-rights law “suggests that this is a more attractive state, a work environment for talented professionals, and a great place to work that supports women and their families,” said Susan McTiernan, dean of the Roger Williams University School of Business and associate professor of management. “That’s a pretty powerful message for women who have choices about where they want to live, and where they want to work.” But other factors, such as a high cost of living in Rhode Island, may deter people from moving to the state despite its protections on abortion access, a local economist says.
States often upheld as having strong abortion-rights protections in place, such as Rhode Island, Massachusetts and California, “are not inexpensive,” said Leonard Lardaro, a professor of economics at the University of Rhode Island. “And all those states with the lowest cost of living are the ones that are banning abortion. “That’s the real challenge,” he said. “As far as individuals moving out of necessity and pure fear of retribution legally, that could be enough to tip the balance.”
But factors such as the state’s business climate could deter employers from coming to the Ocean State if they look to move or expand, Lardaro says. “I don’t look for firms rushing to come here, even if they like some elements of [the state], because our business climate isn’t up to spec,” Lardaro said. “And during this whole crisis, our elected officials have done painfully little with our business climate … Rhode Island is first in, last out of national economic weakness.” Still, Mass. Gov. Charlie Baker sees an opening. He said recently that the Bay State might actively encourage employers in states that have banned abortion to move to Massachusetts, calling this potential workforce shift a “big opportunity here for Massachusetts to encourage some employers to either come here or expand their footprint here, as we are a state that takes
[access to abortion] seriously.” Gov. Daniel J. McKee has not said that Rhode Island will follow Baker’s lead, but a spokesperson for the governor, Alana O’Hare, said that McKee “would welcome individuals and employers who want to relocate to Rhode Island and live in a state that protects a woman’s right to choose.” McKee has recently faced criticism for not enforcing insurance coverage on abortions through state and Medicaid plans, but he has also taken steps to protect those who come here from out of state to seek an abortion. On July 5, McKee signed an executive order establishing legal protections for individuals who come to Rhode Island seeking reproductive health services, as some fear that individuals crossing state lines may face retribution in their home states. The measure also protects Rhode Island-based providers who perform reproductive health care services for out-of-state individuals. It will ensure they don’t lose their professional licenses or have out-of-state charges brought against them. n
‘That’s a pretty powerful message for women who have choices about where they want to live.’ SUSAN MCTIERNAN, Roger Williams University School of Business dean and associate professor of management
Julie Larivee AVP/Business Banking 401-729-4087 BusinessBanking@coastal1.org
Get personalized, hands-on service to guide you in choosing the right products for your business. • Checking accounts. • Online cash management. • Merchant services.
Coastal1 Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration.
1-800-298-2212 | Coastal1.org www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | JULY 8-21, 2022 | 7
