Bill > LD887

This bill establishes two new sections of Maine law addressing chemical abortions and the disposal of abortion drugs. The first section requires health care providers to be physically present and perform an in-person examination before providing an abortion drug, and mandates that they schedule a follow-up visit within 7 days, provide the patient with a catch kit (a container for medical waste) and a medical waste bag, and give instructions for proper use and return of these items. The medical waste bag must be fluorescent orange or orange-red with a "BIOHAZARD" label. Violating these requirements is considered a Class C crime, with exceptions only for cases where the patient's life is in danger. The second section makes manufacturers of abortion drugs responsible for the proper disposal of these drugs and any potential environmental contamination, particularly regarding endocrine disruptors that might be released into wastewater. If endocrine disruptors from improperly disposed abortion drugs are detected in wastewater, the manufacturer is liable for cleanup and preventive measures, with a potential civil penalty of $20,000 for violations. These provisions aim to increase medical oversight of chemical abortions and ensure environmentally responsible disposal of abortion-related medical waste.

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https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=887&snum=132