AUGUSTA - Last night, Governor Janet Mills signed an Executive Order to further safeguard access to abortion in Maine and to protect both Maine health care professionals who provide reproductive health care and the patients who depend on this care, in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
Maine House Democratic Leaders, Majority Leader Michelle Dunphy and Assistant Majority Leader Rachel Talbot Ross released statements of support:
"In light of a rapidly changing national landscape where anti-abortion states try to punish those who need reproductive health care, our Governors action today confirms abortion care will be a safe and legally protected in Maine, no matter what other states do. Despite the Supreme Court overturning Roe, we remain committed to defending and expanding abortion access for every person who wants it," said Rep. Dunphy.
"Everyone deserves to be able to make their own decisions about their bodies and their health care without fear of criminalization. With this action, Maine will continue to ensure access to reproductive health care and safe, legal access to abortion," said Rep. Talbot Ross. "We know Mainers value privacy, health care access and freedom from government control. Today, our fight for justice and access continues."
Today, the Governor took action by signing an Executive Order that:
- prohibits State agencies from cooperating with another state's investigation into a person, organization, or health care provider for delivering abortion care in Maine;
- directs State agencies to conduct a review of laws and regulations for barriers to reproductive health care and exercise discretionary authority under the law to remove or minimize those barriers, and, among other things;
- makes clear that the Governor will exercise her authority within the law to decline extradition attempts from other states pursuing criminal charges against a person for receiving or performing abortion care.
This Executive Order builds on the expansion of abortion care in Maine, access to contraception and protections for mothers and children.
Contact:
Jenna Howard [Dunphy, Talbot Ross] c. 214-3185