Public hearing scheduled for Vitelli bill to enshrine reproductive rights in Maine Constitution

AUGUSTA — On Tuesday, the Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary announced a public hearing for LD 780, “RESOLUTION, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of Maine to Protect Personal Reproductive Autonomy,” sponsored by Sen. Eloise Vitelli, D-Arrowsic. The hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 22. 

The bill would add clarifying language to Maine’s Constitution enshrining an individual’s right to reproductive freedom. In order to pass, the bill will need to receive two-thirds support in the Senate and House, and then be sent to the voters for their consideration on a statewide ballot.

“The ability to control one’s reproductive health is vital to controlling one’s financial destiny and to being a full participant in society. The ability to make decisions about your own health, and to access health care from a provider you trust, when you need it, are fundamental rights. This includes the right to access abortion care,” said Sen. Vitelli. “With the overturning of Roe v. Wade, we were shown that we can’t take for granted that this right is protected. To that end, it’s clear we need direct, explicit language in our state Constitution stating that a person’s individual rights include their right to bodily and reproductive autonomy.”

Members of the public can share testimony in a variety of ways: They can submit written testimony online anytime before the public hearing, testify remotely via Zoom on the day of the public hearing, or testify in-person at the State House. More information can be found at mainelegislature.org/testimony.