With the Supreme Court appearing poised to overturn Roe v. Wade, news outlets in Maine are pointing out the willingness of former Governor Paul LePage and Republicans to reverse Maine’s progress and attack abortion rights here in Maine:
Spectrum News: “[LePage] appeared to leave the door open to new restrictions at the state level.”
Bangor Daily News: “Maine Republicans teased a slow path toward restricting abortion access if they win control of the State House in the 2022 election…‘The end of Roe v. Wade is not the end, it’s the beginning,’ said Mike McClellan, a former Republican lawmaker and the policy director for the evangelical Christian Civic League of Maine.”
Press Herald: Gov. Mills pledges to protect abortion access; LePage emphasizes his support of restrictions
Maine Beacon: Maine advocates say next election crucial as SCOTUS poised to strike down abortion rights
When LePage was Governor, he was actively hostile to abortion rights in Maine, supporting the overturn of Roe (saying “let’s do it” about overturning the ruling) and saying “efforts to eliminate abortion are critical.”
Meanwhile, to the Governor Janet Mills and Democrats in the Legislature made clear they will continue to protect safe and legal abortion:
Bangor Daily News: Janet Mills vows to defend abortion rights after draft Supreme Court decision leaks
WMTW: Maine Gov. Janet Mills pledges to be abortion rights 'backstop'
WGME: Gov. Mills vows to protect reproductive rights in Maine
This morning, Maine Democratic Party Chair Drew Gattine released the following statement on the Supreme Court leak:
“Reports saying the Supreme Court is planning to overturn Roe v. Wade make one thing clear: the future of abortion rights in Maine is on the ballot this November. We are fortunate to currently have a Governor in Janet Mills who is a passionate defender of abortion rights and a Democratically controlled legislature that will steadfastly protect those rights. However, with Roe in jeopardy—in part because of Susan Collins’ votes for Brett Kavanaugh and other virulently anti-choice justices—Governor Mills and her Democratic colleagues in the legislature may be the only thing keeping abortion safe and legal in our state. Paul LePage and other anti-abortion Republicans on the ballot this November present the greatest threat to abortion rights in recent Maine history. We must re-elect Governor Mills and our Democratic majorities this November in order to protect the rights, safety, and future of not just Maine women but all Maine people.”
###