Maine Governor Janet Mills responds to Roe vs Wade Supreme Court ruling

 July 26, 2022

Hello Juliana,
The recent Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade, while unfortunately not a surprise, is still alarming, infuriating and heartbreaking. It has eviscerated reproductive rights and has reduced access to healthcare for millions of Americans in many states across the country. 

Moreover, the Supreme Court ruling also happens to go against the strong majority of Americans who support access to abortion. Abortion care is health care, and people deserve access to healthcare.

Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling, abortion care remains safe and available here in Maine. The Legislature codified the right to abortion in 1993, preemptively guaranteeing this protection in state law in case a decision like this from the Supreme Court ever became a reality. I am grateful for those leaders’ foresight and determination. Going forward, it will be up to current and future lawmakers and governors to ensure that protections for reproductive freedom endure here in Maine.

Before being elected, I was a community-based physician advocating for healthcare access, including protections of reproductive healthcare and the autonomy of pregnant persons. Now, as your state representative, I am working to keep abortion accessible and to expand existing protections.

Earlier this year, prior to the court’s decision, the Legislature passed a measure to safeguard patients from threats and harassment while entering and exiting health service facilities. We also increased MaineCare reimbursements for reproductive health care providers that offer family planning services. I am proud to join many of my colleagues in earning a 100% rating from Planned Parenthood New England on their 2022 Legislative Scorecard, and I will always value the right to choose.

Governor Janet Mills of Maine

Additionally, I strongly support action taken by Governor Mills, following the ruling, that will protect patients who travel from other states to Maine seeking abortion. 

In fact, the executive order will prohibit Maine state agencies from cooperating with another state’s investigation into a person, organization or health care provider for delivering abortion care in our state; it also directs agencies to review laws and regulations in order to identify and minimize barriers to accessing the procedure.

I know these last few weeks have been difficult for so many of us in our community grappling with the ramifications of this decision, so please feel welcome to reach out to me with any questions or concerns you might have regarding abortion or otherwise. 

Also, I recognize that some folks support the recent decision. As always, I am here to be a resource and to serve all constituents and the State of Maine. It remains an honor to be your state representative. From Rep. Sam Zager, District 41

sam.zager@legislature.maine.gov