Abortion laws in Maine are more liberal than in many states, and recent proposals to alter them have sparked debate in the state.
In June, lawmakers pushed back on a provision that would have required minor women to get parental consent to have an
abortion, the Portland Press Herald reported, noting an emotional and also rare statehouse debate.
The current law in Maine allows those under 18 to receive the procedure "if they first undergo counseling by an approved person or obtain consent from another family member, a guardian or a judge," the paper said.
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“There is not a problem. Why are we trying to change the law?” said Sen. Linda Valentino, D-Saco, of the proposed changes.
But her senate colleague, David Burns, R-Whiting, raised objection, noting "there are many parents out there who are being cut out or isolated from that important decision," the paper reported.
Judy Karhl of Grandmothers for Reproductive Rights noted in the debate over the measure that while some youth could talk with parents about abortion, some fear reprisal.
"Unfortunately, not all families are ideal," Karhl said,
according to MPBN News. "Not all young and minors have families that support them."
Lawmakers rejected a proposal to require abortion clinics to meet new licensing requirements,
the Bangor Daily News reported.
Rep. Deborah Sanderson, R-Chelsea, sponsored the bill, saying: “Regardless of what you believe or think about the availability of abortion services, they are legal, and they are here to stay. While a woman or a couple grapples with this decision, the one thing they should never, ever have to worry about is whether the providing clinic they choose to utilize is clean and safe.”
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Rep. Charlotte Warren, D-Hallowell, spoke out against the bill: “We all want women to be safe. The good news is abortion is already incredibly safe. LD 1312 has nothing to do with patient care. Proposals like this are designed by politicians, not doctors, to shut down clinics and end access to safe abortion.”
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