More than forty years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court decided Roe v. Wade, the landmark case that secured the right to abortion. But ever since the Court overturned this nationwide right in 2022, the abortion rights have been handed to the states.
State Legislators
Maine state legislators have determined our abortion laws ever since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. State law currently protects abortion access and offers important safeguards for healthcare providers in Maine.
While Maine’s legislature has protected access, lawmakers could just as easily impose extreme restrictions that stop people from accessing care since there is no longer a federal right to abortion.
The Governor
Governors can sign legislation expanding abortion access, veto abortion bans and restrictions, and take actions that protect patients and their health care providers.
Attorney General
Maine is the only state where the attorney general is elected by the State Legislature. As the state’s top law enforcement officer, the attorney general works with district attorneys on decisions about whether to bring charges against people accused of crimes. The attorney general also plays a key role in preventing the criminalization of people seeking care and their providers, and can bring legal challenges on behalf of Maine residents to protect access to abortion and other reproductive healthcare.
