Maine House passes bill requiring MaineCare to pay for abortions
AUGUSTA House lawmakers gave initial approval Tuesday to a bill that would require Maines Medicaid program and private insurance companies to pay for abortion services.
The 79-63 vote followed roughly two hours of emotional yet respectful debate and fell largely along party lines, with every Republican opposing the measure and all but eight Democrats voting in support. The proposal, which would make Maine the 16th state to spend public funds on abortions, is the first of several abortion-related bills expected to get strong consideration this session.
No one no politician, no insurance company should ever come between a person and their health care provider, said bill sponsor Rep. Joyce McCreight, D-Harpswell. We have created a system that opens the door for those with means to pay, while slamming it for those less fortunate. It is unfair and it is discrimination.
With Democrats controlling both chambers of the Legislature and Democrat Gov. Janet Mills in the Blaine House, abortion rights defenders are hoping to score major legislative victories in Maine this year even as they fight against attempts to restrict access to abortion in other states.
The bill now heads to the Maine Senate, where Democrats hold a smaller majority.
https://www.pressherald.com/2019/05/07/maine-house-passes-bill-requiring-mainecare-to-pay-for-abortions/