Maine Governor Mills Signs Legislation Supporting Abortion and Gender Care Providers

Maine’s Democratic governor has signed a bill aimed at safeguarding providers of abortion and gender-transition care from legal action initiated by other states.

Governor Janet Mills approved the legislation after it was passed by the Democratic-controlled Maine Legislature earlier in the month. Maine now joins over a dozen other states in protecting medical providers from out-of-state investigations related to abortions.

The bill has sparked a dispute between Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey and attorneys general from several other states, including Tennessee. The out-of-state attorneys general issued threats of legal action if Maine proceeded with the law, but Frey dismissed these threats as “meritless.”

The legislation has also stirred significant debate within Maine, with opposition coming from Republicans.

Advocates for Planned Parenthood Maine Action Fund hailed the signing of the bill as a significant advancement for reproductive freedom in Maine.

“Maine continues to be a safe haven for sexual and reproductive health care, for providers and the patients they serve,” said Lisa Margulies, vice president of public affairs for Planned Parenthood Maine Action Fund.