Overview

• Maine House approved a bill to protect healthcare workers from out-of-state lawsuits on abortion and gender-affirming care, passing with a vote of 80-70.
• The bill incited heated debates, leading to the censure of two representatives for inflammatory remarks linking recent tragedies to divine retribution.
• Critics argue the bill could lead to kidnapping and trafficking, while supporters emphasize the protection of Maine's sovereignty over its healthcare laws.
• The Senate is set to consider the bill next, with further votes required for enactment.
• If passed, the law would join similar protections in other states, reflecting a national shift towards safeguarding reproductive and gender-affirming healthcare.