News

Bill to expand abortion providers in Maine gets OK in House

Bill to expand abortion providers in Maine gets OK in House

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) Maine could expand the kinds of health care providers who can perform abortions under a bill making its way through the Democratic-led Legislature.

The House voted 74-58 Tuesday on legislation allowing nurse practitioners, physician assistants and certified nurse-midwives to perform abortion procedures, depending on their training. Such advanced clinicians could provide medication abortion and in-clinic abortions, which typically involve suction.

The bill heads to the Senate.

Maine could become the second state after California with a law allowing non-doctors to perform abortions.

Nearly two dozen states have expanded their list of medication abortion providers following court or agency rulings.

Maine has faced lawsuits over its abortion provider restrictions, as well as its ban on state Medicaid funds for abortions. The Senate recently set aside a bill reversing that Medicaid ban.

Latest Headlines

24 minutes ago in Local

Massachusetts Sen. Warren Joins Troy Jackson, Hannah Pingree at Portland Rally

Fresh

The rally came 17 days before the election.

1 hour ago in Local

‘Unknown Substance’ Sent to Sen. Collins Portland Office

Fresh

The letter was intercepted with no injuries

2 days ago in Local

Bangor man accused of threatening woman, crashing into her car

A man is accused of crashing into a woman's vehicle after threatening her with a knife during a family fight in Bangor.

2 days ago in Local

Rep. AOC to visit Portland to support Democratic candidates

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will stump for Democratic candidates in Maine.

2 days ago in Lifestyle, Trending

Pope speaks with Putin, denouncing recent attacks as he shows recovery from lung surgery progressing

Pope Leo XIV gave strong indications Friday that he was recovering well from lung cancer surgery and was very much in charge of running the Catholic...