Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signed legislation Wednesday that further expands abortion in the state.
One of the bills Moore signed was House Bill 705, which will give voters the chance to decide whether or not to approve a constitutional amendment enshrining a “fundamental right to reproductive freedom.” If voters approve the amendment, it would establish a “right” to abortion through all nine months of pregnancy.
Additionally, he signed Senate Bill 859, which protects abortionists and women from criminal, civil, and administrative penalties relating to committing or receiving abortions in states with pro-life protections.
He also signed Senate Bill 341, which requires public universities to develop and implement a “reproductive health services plan,” and Senate Bill 786, which shields the personal information of anyone participating in abortion from public records, health information exchanges, and electronic health networks.
“Maryland will always be a safe haven for abortion access and abortion rights,” Moore said during the signing. “We are living at a time when the Supreme Court is actively working to take Americans’ rights away, instead of expanding. We are living at a time when nearly half of all the states in our country are moving towards banning or seriously restricting abortion access.”
“Maryland can, and will, lead on this issue of abortion,” he added. “I want to say this to all women who are wondering what will happen who are worried about their future, please hear me loud and clear, Maryland will always be a safe haven for abortion access and abortion rights.”
In response to Moore’s signing, the Maryland Republican Caucus issued a statement. “Today, as Governor Moore signs legislation giving unfettered access to abortion through the third trimester of pregnancy, the House Republican Caucus today urged state leaders to support the fundamental right to life and take a reasonable, thoughtful approach to the difficult question of abortion rights rather than a reflective, radical one,” they said.
“It is clear that the public policy in Maryland views abortion as the only possible response to an unplanned pregnancy,” said Assistant House Minority Leader Delegate April Rose. “Proponents of these bills will tell you they are focused on women’s health, but women’s health as it relates to unintended pregnancy is so much more than abortion. There are many women who carry unplanned pregnancies to term, and they should get as much support from the state to access perinatal care, childcare, and even adoption services if they so desire. The types of policies this state is adopting not only support abortion but encourage it. As someone who was fortunate enough to be adopted by a loving family, I truly hope Maryland can focus on ways to support these mothers and the lives of their unborn babies.”
