BANGOR — In the coming weeks and months state lawmakers will have the chance to vote on bills that are pro-life and do not support abortion.
The Senior Vice President of Planned Parenthood in New England said she does not understand why this is happening right now.
“The fact we are dealing with economic crisis, it just feels really disconnected with what should be the priorities of the state legislature,” said Nicole Clegg.
State Senator Stacey Guerin said right now is the perfect time.
“Isn’t it appropriate we would try and save lives from unnecessary abortions and would choose life,” Guerin said.
Guerin added the bills do not prohibit abortion but rather address taxpayer funding.
“Let’s say you had a sonogram and saw you were going to have a boy, and you wanted a girl, then you could have an abortion. I think all Mainers agree, the tax payers shouldn’t be paying for that,” she said.
Guerin said one of the bills is in favor of a reversal treatment for when someone takes the day after pill.
“Then they could change their mind and help them keep their baby,” she said.
According to Clegg the number of abortions are declining nationally due to better access to birth control and improved technology.
However, while Maine has yet to be affected, there is a national trend.
“Extensive waiting periods, counseling, restrictions on insurance, which has made it harder for people to access the care that they want,” Clegg said.
