In May, we reported on a leaked draft opinion leak that exposed the U.S. Supreme Court’s intention to reverse Roe v. Wade, the landmark ruling that legalized abortion access nationwide.
A few weeks later, the nation’s highest court followed through on its draft opinion and rendered a 6-3 decision to reverse the longstanding notion that access to an abortion is a constitutional right.
Since then state legislatures across the country have rushed to either protect abortion access, or propose laws to further restrict a woman’s right to choose.
Thankfully Governor Mills and our leaders in the Maine legislature have continued to prioritize the health and bodily autonomy of Mainers.
Following the Supreme Court’s recent decision, Governor Mills signed an Executive Order to further safeguard access to abortion in Maine and to protect Maine health care providers who provide reproductive health care and their patients.
“Unlike the majority of the U.S. Supreme Court, I do not believe that women’s rights or women’s health care are dispensable,” said Governor Mills.
Senate President Troy Jackson and Senate Majority Leader Eloise Vitelli also reinforced their commitment to protecting abortion access for Mainers.
“In the wake of this decision, please know that Maine Senate Democrats will fight back against efforts to undermine abortion rights and stand united for reproductive freedom,” said Senator Jackson.
“This ruling from the Supreme Court is unconscionable. Rather than protecting the sanctity of life, it will only endanger the lives of everyday people. I vowed in my youth to fight for the right to access abortion care, and it’s clear this fight is far from over. I join with countless people across our state when I say, despite this decision handed down to us from Washington, Maine will not go back,” said Senator Vitelli.
Current law states that people in Maine have an affirmed right to choose to terminate a pregnancy pre-viability, regardless of the reversal of Roe v. Wade. State law also requires MaineCare and other insurance companies covering pregnancy to also cover abortion care without additional restrictions or limitations.
Mainers seeking abortion care can reach out to Planned Parenthood of Northern New England for guidance or learn more at the Department of Health And Human Services webpage.
Mainers For Working Families applauds our leaders in Augusta for continuing to safeguard the right to abortion and other reproductive rights.