The Democratic-controlled Maine Legislature gave final approval Friday to a bill that would protect health care workers who provide abortion and gender-affirming care from legal action brought in other states. If signed by Democratic Gov. Janet Mills, Maine would join more than a dozen states that shield medical providers and others from out-of-state investigations regarding abortions. Republicans were firmly against the bill to shield against out-of-state lawsuits. The Maine Senate voted 21-13 on Friday, a day after a 76-67 vote in the House. The votes came after attorneys general in 16 states, including Tennessee, threatened legal action if Maine proceeded with a shield law preventing out-of-state repercussions for those who provide abortions and what they called “gender transition surgeries for children.” Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey called those accusations “meritless” and said shield laws were necessary due to other states’ efforts “to punish beyond their borders lawful behavior that occurs in Maine and other states.” |
US probe of Hondas that can activate emergency braking for no reason moves closer to a recallAbbott Labs tops Q1 expectations, raises low end of 2024 guidance rangeStarling Marte's HR keys surging Mets to sweep of Pirates with 9Ozuna homers, Arcia's RBI in 10th lifts Braves to 5Marquette hires Cara Consuegra away from Charlotte to replace Megan DuffyMel B continues to fuel Spice Girls reunion rumours as she teases a tour: 'It's going to happen'9 facing charges in what Canada police say is biggest gold theft in country's historyChina expels teacher for pushing for students to use Tibetan language — Radio Free AsiaLockdown lifts at Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota after report of a single gunshotTravis Kelce reveals his Chiefs teammate and soon