An Act to Repeal Laws Allowing Abortion and to Criminalize
Maine Legislature, Session 132, LD 0975
Sponsors: GRIFFIN
Amends: 4 MRSA §152, 14 MRSA §9002, 15 MRSA §321, 17-A MRSA §2, 17-A MRSA §207-A, 17-A MRSA §208-C, 17-A MRSA §208-F, 17-A MRSA §209-A, 17-A MRSA §210-B, 17-A MRSA §210-C, 17-A MRSA §211-A, 19-A MRSA §4114, 22 MRSA §261, 22 MRSA §335, 22 MRSA §336, 22 MRSA §1902, 22 MRSA §2841, 22 MRSA §2841-A, 22 MRSA §3196, 22 MRSA §8705-A, 22 MRSA §8707, 22 MRSA §8714, 24 MRSA §2317-B, 24-A MRSA §4320-M, 32 MRSA §96

Legislative Document
No. 975
H.P. 635
House of Representatives, March 11, 2025
An Act to Repeal Laws Allowing Abortion and to Criminalize 
Abortion
Received by the Clerk of the House on March 7, 2025.  Referred to the Committee on 
Judiciary pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2 and ordered printed pursuant to Joint Rule 401.
ROBERT B. HUNT
Clerk
Presented by Representative GRIFFIN of Levant.
Cosponsored by Representative: LEMELIN of Chelsea.
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1.  4 MRSA §152, sub-§8, as amended by PL 1999, c. 547, Pt. B, §5 and 
affected by §80, is repealed.
Sec. 2.  14 MRSA §9002, sub-§9, as enacted by PL 2023, c. 648, Pt. A, §1, is 
amended to read:
9.  Reproductive health care services.  "Reproductive health care services" means all 
supplies, care and services of a medical, behavioral health, mental health, surgical, 
psychiatric, therapeutic, diagnostic, preventive, rehabilitative or supportive nature, 
including medication, relating to pregnancy, contraception, assisted reproduction, or 
pregnancy loss management or the termination of a pregnancy in accordance with the 
applicable standard of care as defined by major medical professional organizations and 
agencies with expertise in the field of reproductive health care.
Sec. 3.  15 MRSA §321, sub-§2, ¶A, as amended by PL 2023, c. 405, Pt. A, §32, 
is further amended to read:
A.  A person is charged with or convicted of a violation of Title 17‑A, section 201, 
202, 203, 204, 207, 207‑A, 208, 208‑A, 208‑B, 208‑C, 208‑D, 208‑E, 208‑F, 209, 
209‑A, 210, 210‑A, 210‑B, 210‑C, 211, 253, 301, 302, 303, 506‑A or 556;
Sec. 4.  17-A MRSA §2, sub-§14-B is enacted to read:
14-B.  Human being.  "Human being" includes a human being beginning at the 
moment of conception.
Sec. 5.  17-A MRSA §2, sub-§20, as enacted by PL 1975, c. 499, §1, is amended 
to read:
20.   Person. "Person," "another person" or "another," when "another" is used in 
reference to a person, means a human being or an organization.
Sec. 6.  17-A MRSA §207-A, sub-§1, ¶B, as amended by PL 2023, c. 465, §3, is 
further amended by amending subparagraph (1) to read:
(1)  Has one or more prior convictions for violating paragraph A or for violating 
section 208‑D, 208‑E, 208‑F, 209‑A, 210‑B, 210‑C or 211‑A or one or more prior 
convictions for engaging in conduct substantially similar to that contained in 
paragraph A or in section 208‑D, 208‑E, 208‑F, 209‑A, 210‑B, 210‑C or 211‑A in 
another jurisdiction;
Sec. 7.  17-A MRSA §207-A, sub-§1, ¶B, as amended by PL 2023, c. 465, §3, is 
further amended by amending subparagraph (4) to read:
(4)  Has one or more prior convictions for violating section 208, or 208‑B or 208‑C, 
and the State had pled and proved that the victim of the applicable prior conviction 
was a family or household member, as defined in Title 19‑A, section 4102, 
subsection 6, or a dating partner, as defined in Title 19‑A, section 4102, subsection 
4, or has one or more prior convictions in another jurisdiction for engaging in 
conduct substantially similar to that contained in section 208, or 208‑B or 208‑C 
and it had been pled and proved that the victim was a family or household member 
or a dating partner.
Sec. 8.  17-A MRSA §208-C, as enacted by PL 2005, c. 408, §1, is repealed.
Sec. 9.  17-A MRSA §208-F, as amended by PL 2023, c. 465, §6, is repealed.
Sec. 10.  17-A MRSA §209-A, sub-§1, ¶B, as amended by PL 2023, c. 465, §8, is 
further amended by amending subparagraph (1) to read:
(1)  Has one or more prior convictions for violating paragraph A or for violating 
section 207‑A, 208‑D, 208‑E, 208‑F, 210‑B, 210‑C or 211‑A or one or more prior 
convictions for engaging in conduct substantially similar to that contained in 
paragraph A or in section 207‑A, 208‑D, 208‑E, 208‑F, 210‑B, 210‑C or 211‑A in 
another jurisdiction;
Sec. 11.  17-A MRSA §209-A, sub-§1, ¶B, as amended by PL 2023, c. 465, §8, is 
further amended by amending subparagraph (4) to read:
(4)  Has one or more prior convictions for violating section 208, or 208‑B or 208‑C, 
and the State had pled and proved that the victim of the applicable prior conviction 
was a family or household member, as defined in Title 19‑A, section 4102, 
subsection 6, or a dating partner, as defined in Title 19‑A, section 4102, subsection 
4, or has one or more prior convictions in another jurisdiction for engaging in 
conduct substantially similar to that contained in section 208, or 208‑B or 208‑C 
and it had been pled and proved that the victim was a family or household member 
or a dating partner.
Sec. 12.  17-A MRSA §210-B, sub-§1, ¶B, as amended by PL 2023, c. 465, §10, 
is further amended by amending subparagraph (1) to read:
(1)  Has one or more prior convictions for violating paragraph A or for violating 
section 207‑A, 208‑D, 208‑E, 208‑F, 209‑A, 210‑C or 211‑A or one or more prior 
convictions for engaging in conduct substantially similar to that contained in 
paragraph A or in section 207‑A, 208‑D, 208‑E, 208‑F, 209‑A, 210‑C or 211‑A in 
another jurisdiction;
Sec. 13.  17-A MRSA §210-B, sub-§1, ¶B, as amended by PL 2023, c. 465, §10, 
is further amended by amending subparagraph (4) to read:
(4)  Has one or more prior convictions for violating section 208, or 208‑B or 208‑C, 
and the State had pled and proved that the victim of the applicable prior conviction 
was a family or household member, as defined in Title 19‑A, section 4102, 
subsection 6, or a dating partner, as defined in Title 19‑A, section 4102, subsection 
4, or has one or more prior convictions in another jurisdiction for engaging in 
conduct substantially similar to that contained in section 208, or 208‑B or 208‑C 
and it had been pled and proved that the victim was a family or household member 
or a dating partner.
Sec. 14.  17-A MRSA §210-C, sub-§1, ¶B, as amended by PL 2023, c. 465, §12, 
is further amended by amending subparagraph (1) to read:
(1)  Has one or more prior convictions for violating paragraph A or for violating 
section 207‑A, 208‑D, 208‑E, 208‑F, 209‑A, 210‑B or 211‑A or one or more prior 
convictions for engaging in conduct substantially similar to that contained in 
paragraph A or in section 207‑A, 208‑D, 208‑E, 208‑F, 209‑A, 210‑B or 211‑A in 
another jurisdiction;
Sec. 15.  17-A MRSA §210-C, sub-§1, ¶B, as amended by PL 2023, c. 465, §12, 
is further amended by amending subparagraph (4) to read:
(4)  Has one or more prior convictions for violating section 208, or 208‑B or 208‑C, 
and the State had pled and proved that the victim of the applicable prior conviction 
was a family or household member, as defined in Title 19‑A, section 4102, 
subsection 6, or a dating partner, as defined in Title 19-A, section 4102, subsection 
4, or has one or more prior convictions in another jurisdiction for engaging in 
conduct substantially similar to that contained in section 208, or 208‑B or 208‑C 
and it had been pled and proved that the victim was a family or household member 
or a dating partner.
Sec. 16.  17-A MRSA §211-A, sub-§1, ¶B, as amended by PL 2023, c. 465, §14, 
is further amended by amending subparagraph (1) to read:
(1)  Has one or more prior convictions for violating paragraph A or for violating 
section 207‑A, 208‑D, 208‑E, 208‑F, 209‑A, 210‑B or 210‑C or one or more prior 
convictions for engaging in conduct substantially similar to that contained in 
paragraph A or in section 207‑A, 208‑D, 208‑E, 208‑F, 209‑A, 210‑B or 210‑C in 
another jurisdiction;
Sec. 17.  17-A MRSA §211-A, sub-§1, ¶B, as amended by PL 2023, c. 465, §14, 
is further amended by amending subparagraph (4) to read:
(4)  Has one or more prior convictions for violating section 208, or 208‑B or 208‑C, 
and the State had pled and proved that the victim of the applicable prior conviction 
was a family or household member, as defined in Title 19‑A, section 4102, 
subsection 6, or a dating partner, as defined in Title 19‑A, section 4102, subsection 
4, or has one or more prior convictions in another jurisdiction for engaging in 
conduct substantially similar to that contained in section 208, or 208‑B or 208‑C 
and it had been pled and proved that the victim was a family or household member 
or a dating partner.
Sec. 18.  19-A MRSA §4114, sub-§5, ¶C, as enacted by PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. A, 
§3 and affected by Pt. B, §65, is amended to read:
C.  There has been a violation of Title 17‑A, section 208‑D, or 208‑E or 208‑F.
Sec. 19.  22 MRSA §261, sub-§6, as amended by PL 2017, c. 203, §1, is further 
amended to read:
6.  Limitations.  The panel coordinator may not proceed with voluntary interviews 
without the permission of the family.  The panel coordinator may not photocopy or retain 
copies of medical records or review cases of abortion.  In performing work under this 
section, the panel coordinator shall minimize the burden imposed on health care 
practitioners, hospitals and facilities.
Sec. 20.  22 MRSA §335, sub-§1, ¶G, as enacted by PL 2023, c. 343, §4, is 
amended to read:
G.  In the case of a project requiring a certificate of need pursuant to section 329, 
subsection 1 or section 329, subsection 4‑A, paragraph B, will not cause a reduction in 
access to, geographic proximity of, timeliness of or quality of any family planning 
services, as defined in section 1902, subsection 4, or any abortion services, except that 
the commissioner may approve a project that will cause such a reduction if the 
commissioner finds:
(1)  That the project is economically and financially feasible only if an obstetrical 
care service is closed or reduced in capacity; and
(2)  After considering all reasonable alternatives, that access to other health care 
services will be substantially reduced if the project is not approved.
Sec. 21.  22 MRSA §336, sub-§3, as amended by PL 2023, c. 343, §6, is further 
amended by amending the first blocked paragraph to read:
The commissioner may not find that a project primarily involves day-to-day operation of 
the facility in its current form if the commissioner finds that the project would result in a 
reduction of access to, geographic proximity of, timeliness of or quality of any family 
planning services, as defined in section 1902, subsection 4, or any abortion services unless 
the commissioner determines that the exceptions described in section 335, subsection 1, 
paragraph G are met.
Sec. 22.  22 MRSA c. 263-B, as amended, is repealed.
Sec. 23.  22 MRSA §1902, sub-§4, as amended by PL 2019, c. 236, §3, is further 
amended to read:
4.  Family planning services.  "Family planning services" means medically safe and 
effective sexual and reproductive health care and education that enable persons to freely 
plan their children, avoid unintended pregnancy and maintain reproductive and sexual 
health through the provision of contraceptive supplies, contraceptive procedures and 
related counseling; the prevention and treatment of infertility; appropriate prenatal and 
obstetric care; the prevention or treatment of sexually transmitted infections; and other 
services necessary for reproductive and sexual health. "Family planning services" does not 
include health care and education relating to abortion.
Sec. 24.  22 MRSA §2841, as amended by PL 2013, c. 14, §§1 and 2, is further 
amended by amending the section headnote to read:
§2841.  Registration of fetal deaths; miscarriage
Sec. 25.  22 MRSA §2841, first ¶, as amended by PL 2013, c. 14, §1, is further 
amended to read:
Except as authorized by the department or as required under section 1596 provided in 
subsection 5, a certificate of each death of a fetus of 20 or more weeks of gestation that 
occurs in this State must be filed with the State Registrar of Vital Statistics or the clerk of 
the municipality where the delivery occurred within 14 days after delivery and prior to 
removal of the fetus from the State.
Sec. 26.  22 MRSA §2841, sub-§5 is enacted to read:
5.  Miscarriage reports.  A report of each miscarriage must be made by the health care 
professional in attendance at or after the occurrence of the miscarriage to the department 
on forms prescribed by the department. These report forms must contain all of the 
applicable information required on the certificate of fetal death in current use.  The report 
form must be prepared and signed by the health care professional in attendance at or after 
the occurrence of the miscarriage and transmitted to the department not later than 10 days 
following the end of the month in which the miscarriage occurs.  The identity of any patient 
or of any health care professional reporting pursuant to this subsection is confidential, and 
the department shall take the steps necessary to ensure the confidentiality of the identity of 
any patients or of any health care professionals reporting pursuant to this subsection.
Sec. 27.  22 MRSA §2841-A, sub-§1-A is enacted to read:
1-A.  Abortion.  "Abortion" means the intentional interruption of a pregnancy by the 
application of external agents, whether chemical or physical, or the ingestion of chemical 
agents with an intention other than to produce a live birth or to remove a dead fetus, 
regardless of the length of gestation.
Sec. 28.  22 MRSA §2841-A, sub-§1-B is enacted to read:
1-B.  Miscarriage.  "Miscarriage" means an interruption of a pregnancy other than by 
abortion of a fetus of less than 20 weeks gestation.
Sec. 29.  22 MRSA §3196, as enacted by PL 2019, c. 274, §1, is repealed.
Sec. 30.  22 MRSA §8705-A, sub-§2, ¶C, as enacted by PL 2003, c. 659, §2, is 
amended to read:
C.  Intentionally or knowingly and without authorization using or disseminating health 
care information that directly or indirectly identifies patients or health care 
practitioners performing abortions as defined in section 1596 in miscarriage reports 
pursuant to section 2841, subsection 5.
Sec. 31.  22 MRSA §8707, sub-§1, as amended by PL 2001, c. 457, §14, is further 
amended to read:
1.  Public access; confidentiality.  The board shall adopt rules making available to 
any person, upon request, information, except privileged medical information and 
confidential information, provided to the organization under this chapter as long as 
individual patients are not directly or indirectly identified through a reidentification 
process.  The board shall adopt rules to protect the identity of certain health care 
practitioners, as it determines appropriate, except that the identity of practitioners 
performing abortions as defined in section 1596 must be designated as confidential and 
must be protected.  Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are major substantive rules 
as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II‑A 2-A.
Sec. 32.  22 MRSA §8714, sub-§4, as enacted by PL 2013, c. 528, §10 and affected 
by §12, is amended to read:
4.  Certain practitioners.  The board shall adopt rules to protect the identity of certain 
health care practitioners, as it determines appropriate, except that the identity of 
practitioners performing abortions as defined in section 1596 must be designated as 
confidential and may not be disclosed.
Sec. 33.  24 MRSA §2317-B, sub-§21, as repealed and replaced by PL 2019, c. 
605, §2, is amended to read:
21.  Title 24-A, sections 2765-A and 2847-U.   The practice of dental therapy by a 
dental therapist, Title 24‑A, sections 2765‑A and 2847‑U; and
Sec. 34.  24 MRSA §2317-B, sub-§22, as amended by PL 2019, c. 605, §3, is 
repealed.
Sec. 35.  24-A MRSA §4320-M, as amended by PL 2023, c. 347, §§1 and 2, is 
repealed.
Sec. 36.  32 MRSA §96, first ¶, as enacted by PL 2021, c. 15, §4, is amended to 
read:
For the purpose of monitoring and improving the provision of emergency medical 
services and health outcomes within the State, the board may request and collect health 
care information or records, including information or records that identify or permit 
identification of any patient, concerning individuals who have received emergency medical 
treatment within the State, except for any information or records identifying a patient, in 
any format, that include HIV or AIDS status or test results, that relate to abortion, 
miscarriage, domestic violence or sexual assault or that relate to referral, treatment or 
services for a behavioral or mental health disorder or substance use disorder.
SUMMARY
This bill repeals the laws authorizing abortion in the State. The bill also repeals the 
crimes of elevated aggravated assault on a pregnant person and domestic violence elevated 
aggravated assault on a pregnant person and instead defines "human being" and "person" 
for purposes of the Maine Criminal Code, including for purposes of the statutes prohibiting 
murder, assault, domestic violence assault and other offenses against a human being or a 
person, to include all human beings beginning at the moment of conception.