WARWICK — Rhode Island’s Right to Life Committee (RIRTL), a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization, celebrated its 47th anniversary this year with a memorable milestone. The committee advocates the pro-life cause in state legislation and supports women choosing life both during and after pregnancy.
Lydia Bartlett, RIRTL Director of Services, shared that “RIRTL is the only Right to Life Organization in the country that doubles as a pregnancy center; all the other 49 Right to Life organizations in the USA deal solely with Legislation. Rhode Island is special in its own way!”
The organization’s resources have helped many families secure necessary testing and support, contributing to 13 babies saved since the start of 2026.
The “Ancora Mobile Resources” Ultrasound Van provides free ultrasounds, pregnancy tests, STD testing, and maternal care referrals. The van is often parked near Planned Parenthood, giving mothers access to these resources even when an abortion decision seems final.
“The Esperanza Home,” located adjacent to RIRTL, offers a safe transitional space for women struggling with housing insecurity or unsafe domestic situations, allowing them to feel supported in their decision to choose life.
Finally, the “Maternity Hope Chest” provides continuous support, helping mothers navigate the costs of clothing, diapers, toys, and books. All donations to RIRTL fund these three initiatives.
RIRTL emphasizes political awareness so that when bills concerning the protection of life from conception to natural death are debated, the organization can mobilize citizens to testify at the State House. Led by Executive Director and Chief Lobbyist Barth Bracy, the committee works to ensure the community is informed and involved in local politics.
On May 13, RIRTL held a banquet for supporters and community members.
Bracy noted, “A lot of what I do is the politics. The beautiful thing about what we are doing tonight is what the Catholic Bishops call ‘Walking with moms in need’... And so tonight is about helping mothers to be able to care for their child’s life.”
The evening celebrated the efforts of local mothers and donors. It included tours of the Ancora Ultrasound Van, expressions of gratitude, and calls to action by Bartlett, Bracy, and the new director of education, Malayna Bizier. Bizier encouraged high school students to visit the RIRTL Education website to enter an upcoming oratory and essay contest.
The event also honored the van’s drivers, nurses, and sidewalk counselors who work long hours in extreme weather to show women that choosing life is possible regardless of their circumstances.
During dinner, guest speaker Mayra Rodriguez shared her story. Rodriguez spoke of her 17 years working for Planned Parenthood in Arizona, explaining how the organization framed its mission to employees. After climbing the ranks to manage two clinics, she said her perspective shifted as she realized the financial focus of the industry.
She recalled being trained to tell women that RTL vans were deceptive. However, she knew the mobile units were effective. She would arrive early to ensure staff parked where the van could not secure a close spot.
Rodriguez said, “I knew the moment I saw that mobile unit on that sidewalk, I knew I was going to get a phone call from my supervisor and have to explain why I am down 20-30 patients… why I wasn’t making quota, because all companies need a quota to survive.”
Eventually repulsed by the disregard for safety standards, Rodriguez reported the violations, which led to her termination. Today, she is a pro-life advocate and practicing Catholic who trains other former clinic workers to speak out.
The evening concluded with testimonies from two women who utilized Ancora and RIRTL resources. One shared, “I am beyond grateful. My family is my biggest blessing, and I truly cannot imagine my life without them. I don’t know where I would be today if it wasn’t for the support I received. This organization is truly moving.”
Another mother, who had initially planned to get an abortion, remarked, “She (Bartlett) didn’t just offer words. She took action, which is what I really needed.”
The banquet highlighted how individual prayers, dedication, and financial support directly impact families across Rhode Island.
