Maine House Passes Shield Law to Protect Abortion and Gender-Affirming Care Providers

The legislation aims to shield healthcare providers from out-of-state legal actions, amidst contentious debates and rare censures in the state legislature.

• Maine House approved a bill to protect healthcare workers from out-of-state lawsuits on abortion and gender-affirming care, passing with a vote of 80-70.
• The bill incited heated debates, leading to the censure of two representatives for inflammatory remarks linking recent tragedies to divine retribution.
• Critics argue the bill could lead to kidnapping and trafficking, while supporters emphasize the protection of Maine's sovereignty over its healthcare laws.
• The Senate is set to consider the bill next, with further votes required for enactment.
• If passed, the law would join similar protections in other states, reflecting a national shift towards safeguarding reproductive and gender-affirming healthcare.

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