The state of Maine might embed reproductive rights in its constitution in the latest abortion-related development.
A pro-choice demonstrator holds up a placard outside the US Supreme Court (rear) in Washington, DC, 08 November 2006 as the court hears oral arguments in the partial-birth abortion ban case. The court is weighing in on the constitutionality of a law banning a surgical method to terminate a pregnancy.
In a report from U.S. News, the push for this is being headed by the state Governor, Janet Mills, as well as other leading Democrats. If the push is successful Maine will join four other states that have revised their constitutions to protect reproductive rights. Those states are California, Michigan, Ohio and Vermont.
The Pushback
However, the proposal has been facing some backlash but amendment supporters have agreed that the people of Maine should have the final say. For example, Lisa Kushner stated the following "Personal reproductive decisions have no place in state legislatures. Our elected representatives should never be orchestrating constituents' reproductive lives. Mainers deserve a right to vote and settle this issue." But this has not stopped some from being critical. One such critic is Republican Senator Lisa Keim representing Dixfield has stated "There's no way it's going to pass. They shouldn't be putting this political theater on stage again."
18-year-old activist Kristina Parker further stated, "This is a constitutional amendment proposal to make personal reproductive autonomy a right, except I don't think anyone has a right to kill anybody."
Mills continues to show support for the revision, and says that the state should ensure the right to reproductive healthcare regardless of the ruling party.
"No matter how strong our laws may be, they are subject to everchanging political tides and can be repealed," she wrote in testimony to the Judiciary Committee. "That is why, without any such federal protection, it is critical that Maine people be assured that reproductive autonomy be protected to the greatest extent possible in the state - through an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Maine."
Abortion has been an issue front and center in the current politcal landscape. HNGN recently reported that a recent campaign ad from U.S. President Joe Biden highlights the impact of former President Donald Trump on overturning Roe v. Wade. Titled "Forced," the advertisement was shared on Biden's official YouTube channel on Sunday, January 21. Within 12 hours, it garnered over 16,000 views. Featuring Dr. Austin Dennard, an OB-GYN and mother of three from Texas, the ad shares her "nightmare" experience following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, facilitated by Trump's Supreme Court nominees. Dr. Dennard expressed her unexpected need for an abortion in a planned pregnancy, as conveyed in the official Biden-Harris campaign ad "Forced."
