If you were to read the title of L.D. 1619, An Act to Improve Maine’s Reproductive Privacy Laws, you might think, “well, that sounds good.” That’s a logical conclusion. As a woman who has been on the receiving end of reproductive care many times, as well as an 18-year registered nurse, I value reproductive care and privacy laws. But reading further reveals that the bill text is much more nefarious than the benign title suggests.

If this becomes law, it will allow for abortion at any point up until birth, for any reason, as long as a “physician determines that it is necessary.” Currently, abortion is legal in Maine for any reason up until the age of viability, which is around 24-26 weeks gestation, but some definitions go up to 28 weeks. Abortion is also legal at any point in pregnancy “for the preservation of the life or health of the mother.” If this bill becomes law, “for the preservation of the life or health of the mother” would be eliminated, allowing for abortion for any reason up until birth.

I can empathize with the mother carrying a baby with a fatal diagnosis, which is the argument for expanding abortion. If this was truly the intent, why is this language not in the bill text? Instead, the language permits abortion after viability for any reason a physician deems “necessary.” Necessary – this word is alarmingly wide open for interpretation and personal bias. Alas, one definition of “necessary” is “needed to achieve a certain desired effect or result.”

I’ve resuscitated many preterm babies throughout my career. I cannot fathom the killing of viable babies at those same gestations. It’s irreconcilable.

Shockingly, this bill also removes current criminal penalties for performing abortions without being licensed. I can only imagine the reasons behind this change.

Karen Harrington

Clinton