LD 1619, An Act to Improve Maine's Reproductive Privacy Laws

This bill, which was sponsored, announced, and signed by Governor Mills, updates Maine law to make clear that the decision about an abortion later in a pregnancy will be made by qualified medical professionals with their patients. Specifically, the bill removes the requirement that abortions after viability only may be performed to preserve the life or health of the mother, and instead allows for later-in-pregnancy abortions when necessary in the professional judgment of a licensed physician. The bill also eliminates language in current law that subjects medical providers who perform abortions to criminal penalties under certain circumstances, instead regulating abortion like other safe, legal medical procedures. It also updates antiquated data collection policies related to abortion care to reduce stigma, protect patient privacy, and protect reproductive health care providers.