Maine House and Senate endorse abortion expansion bill, Senate rejects MaineCare expansion for noncitizens

The Maine Senate and House of Representatives have endorsed a bill proposed by Governor Janet Mills to expand access to post-viability abortions, making it likely that Maine will adopt one of the least restrictive reproductive health laws in the nation. The Senate voted 21-13 in favor of the bill, and the House voted 73-69 to enact it. The bill will return to the Senate for a final vote before heading to the governor's desk for her signature. The proposed law would allow licensed doctors to approve abortions after a fetus becomes viable outside the womb, or at about 24 weeks. Supporters argue that such decisions should be left to a woman and her doctor, while opponents claim it would allow third-trimester abortions of healthy fetuses.