Lawmakers unveil key legislation to protect abortion rights in Maine
For Immediate Release: Jan. 17, 2023
Proposed bills would strengthen existing state protections for patients and providers, increase affordability of abortion care
(Portland, MAINE) – Governor Janet Mills, Maine Senate President Troy Jackson and Maine House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross today unveiled key legislative priorities aimed at protecting reproductive rights and freedoms in Maine. The announcement comes six days before the would-be 50th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, which was overturned by the U.S. Supreme court in 2022.
During a press conference at the Hall of Flags in Augusta, Maine’s Gov. Mills announced An Act to Improve Maine’s Reproductive Privacy Act, a bill that would make it possible for families like Dana’s from Yarmouth, to receive the care they need in Maine instead of having to travel out of state. The governor’s bill will also address antiquated data collection policies related to abortion care in Maine, protecting patient privacy and reproductive healthcare providers who perform abortion care.
Maine’s Reproductive Privacy Act, enacted in 1993, protects the right to abortion, and lawmakers are taking steps to further safeguard patients and providers in the first full legislative session since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned federal protections for abortion.
Senate President Jackson and Speaker Talbot Ross joined Mills in promoting three additional pieces of legislation, An Act to Protect Health Care Professionals Providing Reproductive Health Care, sponsored by State Representative Amy Kuhn (D-Falmouth), An Act to Protect the Reproductive Freedom of Maine People, Sponsored by State Representative Laura Supica (D-Bangor) and An Act to Remove Barriers to Comprehensive Pregnancy Care in Private Insurance, sponsored by State Representative Matt Moonen (D-Portland).
Rep. Kuhn’s bill strengthens protections for healthcare providers so that they may offer care to people traveling to Maine for abortion care safely, without threats to their ability to practice medicine. This proposal is consistent with Governor Mills’ 2022 executive order protecting patients traveling to Maine from states with abortion bans.
Rep. Supica’s bill would ensure every Mainer, regardless of what town they live in, has the same rights to abortion care and ensure that no town or municipality can enact any local ordinance in conflict with Maine’s Reproductive Privacy Act. It would prevent local municipalities from restricting access, a tactic of increasing popularity in states with legal abortion rights. Anti-abortion extremists are working in cities and towns throughout the country to enact local ordinances to restrict abortion and related care. City officials in Colorado and New Mexico, for example, considered abortion bans in 2022, and even before the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling, anti-abortion advocates pushed to enact restrictions at the local level.
Rep. Moonen’s bill aims to expand access to ensure that Mainers who have the right to an abortion under state law can afford the care they need. Even though Maine law requires private insurance coverage of abortion as a part of comprehensive pregnancy care, many health insurance plans require patients to pay out of pocket for abortion care until they meet deductibles. This cost sharing can cause delays in care as people struggle to afford an abortion.
Reproductive health and rights organizations applauded today’s announcement:
Nicole Clegg, Chief Strategy and Impact Officer, Planned Parenthood of Northern New England
“Mainers care deeply about our reproductive rights and freedoms, and with federal protections for abortion gone, state legislation to protect patients and providers has never been more critical. These proposed bills are a step in the right direction and serve as a light in the darkness of our current moment.
This movement to protect reproductive healthcare for every Mainer, no matter what, is stronger than ever. We applaud Governor Mills, President Jackson and Speaker Talbot Ross for leading the way on these important bills in this important moment.”
Arthur Padilla, Executive Director, ACLU of Maine:
“For first time in history, the US Supreme Court has taken away a constitutionally protected right with its decision in Dobbs. For millions of Americans, this is a dark time when they no longer have control over their own bodies or their health care decisions. But the story is different here. Maine is a shining light for people in other states, a place where access to abortion is protected. On the 50th anniversary of Roe, Maine stands as beacon, ready to expand access to abortions to anyone who needs it.”
Elayne Richard, Education Coordinator, Grandmothers for Reproductive Rights
"As elders who organized prior to Roe, we are devoted to continuing the fight for abortion justice arm-in-arm with younger generations. We are committed to advancing the greatest access possible for Mainers and all traveling here for abortion care."
Francine Stark, Executive Director, Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence
“Survivors of domestic abuse already face too many barriers as they manage the risks posed by their partners. A woman’s reproductive health is often a target of control for an abusive man. No one should be coerced into pregnancy, and no one who is pregnant should be forced to give birth. MCEDV appreciates these efforts to remove barriers to the comprehensive healthcare that is necessary to the wellbeing of all Maine’s people.”
George Hill, President & CEO, Maine Family Planning
“Here in Maine we are breathing a sigh of relief knowing that the current administration understands what is at stake post-Dobbs and is doing everything in its power to protect the human rights of Maine citizens and visitors seeking access to safe, legal abortion care. We are grateful to Governor Mills for her bold leadership and to our allies throughout the state and nation. While we wish that we could export this feeling of safety and security to every American right now, we will be doing everything in our power to advocate for a restoration of full federal protection for abortion seekers in all states. As well, we will continue to fight for budgets and policies that reject the racist, classist Hyde Amendment.”
Abbie Strout-Bentes, Director of Community Engagement, Mabel Wadsworth Center:
“We are experiencing a human rights and public health crisis. Across the country, millions of people no longer have access to essential healthcare in their communities as the overturn of Roe v. Wade forced 42 independent abortion clinics to close. While abortion care remains available in Maine, more must be done to ensure access to care for everyone who needs it. As we approach what should be the 50th anniversary of Roe, we are calling on our state leaders to expand and protect reproductive freedom in Maine.”
Roe-anniversary events:
January 22, 2023, statewide: Light a candle for reproductive rights
January 22, 2023, Portland, Maine, 5 p.m.: Lights Along Congress Street
###
The Planned Parenthood Maine Action Fund Political Action Committee promotes and preserves a health care landscape and a political climate favorable to women’s health by working to identify and elect supportive candidates seeking executive and legislative offices. The PPMEAF PAC is operated by the Planned Parenthood Maine Action Fund, an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit membership organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood of Northern New England in Maine. The Action Fund engages in educational and electoral activity, including voter education, grassroots organizing, and legislative advocacy.
This page is controlled and operated by Planned Parenthood Maine Action Fund.