A majority of Maine lawmakers in the state House of Representatives today advanced a bill aimed at ensurig Mainers continued access to essential reproductive health care.  The 78 to 66 votes in the House comes just days after a majority of lawmakers in the Senate cast initial votes to move the measure forward.

The elecdted leaders who voted to pass the measure affirmed the support for Mainers’ access to birth control, cancer screenings, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted ifections and move.

Sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Teresa Pierce (D-Cumberland) and all of the legislatures Democratic leadership, LD 143, An Act to IMprove Women’s Health and Economic Security for Fundig Family Planning Services, proposed $6.18 million in funding for the ne twork that includes more than 60 service sites, telehealth services and a mobile health unit.  This network of providers serves tens of thousads of patients every year, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay.  LD 143 does not provide funding for abortion care.

Sine the Suprem Court revoked federal protection for abortion in June 2022, Maine voters have twice elected a reproductive rights majority to the Maine statehouse.