Bill > LD975

This bill repeals existing laws related to abortion in Maine and criminalizes the procedure by making significant changes to multiple sections of state law. The bill redefines "human being" in the Maine Criminal Code to include a human being from the moment of conception, effectively granting legal personhood to embryos and fetuses. It removes references to abortion from various state statutes, including those related to reproductive health care services, family planning, and medical records. The bill eliminates previous legal protections for abortion services, repeals entire chapters of law related to reproductive health, and adds new reporting requirements for miscarriages. Specifically, it defines "abortion" as the intentional interruption of pregnancy and requires health care professionals to report miscarriages to the state, while ensuring the confidentiality of patient and healthcare provider identities. The legislation also removes previous provisions about abortion services from medical professional regulations, insurance coverage, and emergency medical service information collection. By expanding the definition of "person" to include conception and removing abortion-related legal protections, the bill effectively criminalizes abortion in Maine and treats it as a potential criminal offense under existing assault and homicide statutes.

Justice

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=975&snum=132