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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: July 17, 2024

###

About the Reproductive Freedom Alliance

The Reproductive Freedom Alliance (RFA) is a nonpartisan coalition of 23 governors working together to protect and expand reproductive freedom across the United States. By supporting state policy change, RFA has helped equip governors with the tools to protect and expand access to reproductive health care, defend the rights of patients and providers, and advance state policies to safeguard reproductive freedom. RFA is supported by GovAct, a nonpartisan nonprofit initiative that helps governors work across state lines to champion fundamental freedoms and improve people’s lives.