Press Release
Title: Amid Attacks on Reproductive Rights, Bipartisan Support for Health Care Access Grows in Maine
Bangor, Maine – In a passionate address, Lisa Margulies, Vice President of Public Affairs at Planned Parenthood of Northern New England, has voiced deep concerns over escalating attempts to restrict reproductive rights in Maine, despite overwhelming public support for abortion access. Citing findings since the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 Dobbs decision, Margulies highlighted that both national and local anti-abortion movements are pushing a coordinated series of bills aimed at undermining reproductive healthcare.
Margulies pointed to notable legislation such as LD 1716, which mandates the display of fetal development videos in schools, mirroring similar efforts in states like Arkansas and Florida. Another bill, LD 887, propagates unfounded theories about the environmental impact of medication abortion, driven by a national anti-abortion organization. Additionally, a proposed constitutional amendment threatens to remove young people’s rights to make their own healthcare decisions.
Despite these challenges, Margulies emphasized that Maine’s elected officials have repeatedly shown their commitment to reproductive rights, reflecting the will of the state’s electorate. “Maine voters have consistently supported champions of reproductive rights,” she noted.
The proposed LD 143, which seeks adequate funding for critical family planning services without covering abortion, is currently before the Appropriations Committee. Margulies urged lawmakers to prioritize accessible health care for all Mainers, including birth control and various health screenings, in the face of growing partisan divides.
As anti-abortion factions intensify their efforts, Maine’s legislative leaders hold the power to uphold public health values and foster an inclusive healthcare environment for the state’s residents. “The majority of our lawmakers have the opportunity to demonstrate their ongoing commitment to essential healthcare,” Margulies concluded, signaling hope amidst rising tensions surrounding reproductive rights.
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