Democratic governor, leaders move to expand abortion access

By DAVID SHARP
Associated Press

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine Gov. Janet Mills and legislative leaders want to expand access to abortion — allowing abortions after 24 weeks with a doctor’s approval — and take steps to protect medical providers. One proposal would effectively eliminate abortion restrictions for procedures deemed medically necessary. Current state law bans abortion after fetus viability, which is roughly 24 weeks. Mills, a Democrat, cited the case of a patient who was forced to travel to Colorado for an abortion because it was not allowed in Maine. House Republicans issued a statement saying that the proposed changes were extreme, and suggested Mainers approve of the current law.