A Maine legislative committee has endorsed Governor Janet Mills' proposal to broaden abortion access, potentially making Maine's abortion laws among the least restrictive in the United States. The current law permits abortions up to the point of fetal viability, typically around 24 weeks. The proposed change would allow abortions beyond viability if deemed medically necessary by a physician.

With Democrats holding a majority in the legislature and its committees, the bill's passage through the judiciary committee signals a likely approval in the House of Representatives next week. While the Maine Medical Association supports the change, arguing it's unlikely to lead to a significant increase in late-term abortions of viable fetuses, the proposal has sparked strong opposition from conservatives, residents, and Christian organizations. This legislative action occurs within a larger national context of ongoing debates and efforts to either expand or restrict abortion access across various states.