abortion

But the bill's $12 million price tag could be a challenge for lawmakers to cover given the state's budget constraints. And while the funding would not pay for abortions, Republicans were skeptical and accused Democrats of resisting efforts to make prohibition explicit.

Scores of new laws passed by the Legislature earlier this year took effect on Friday.

The court's decision to temporarily block federal regulations could allow more air pollution to drift into Maine while the ruling on abortion was criticized by Democratic leaders.

On Tuesday, the US Supreme Court heard arguments in a case that seeks to limit the use of a common medication used for abortion.

In dueling letters, Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey and his counterparts have each accused the other of attempting to intimidate policymakers in other states on laws dealing with gender-affirming care and abortion.

While abortion rights supporters believe Maine voters would approve the amendment, they have to shepherd it through the Legislature first. And that will be a challenge in the face of Republican opposition.

Abortion opponents say they won't pursue a people's veto campaign to overturn a controversial new state law but will, instead, focus on getting more like-minded legislators elected next year.

Leaders of two groups opposed to a bill allowing abortions later in a pregnancy say they are still discussing whether to challenge the law at the ballot box.

Gov. Janet Mills has signed into law a bill that removes restrictions on abortions later in a pregnancy, moving Maine in the opposite direction politically of many states on the contentious issue.

Post-viability abortions in Maine are rare. There were no abortions after 20 weeks in 2021.