Maine Expansion of Abortion Laws, Which Would Be Among the Country's Broadest, Passes Committee

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) A committee of the Maine Legislature signed off Friday on a proposal from Democratic Gov. Janet Mills that would give the state one of the least restrictive abortion laws in the country.

Maines current laws allow abortions until a fetus becomes viable, which is generally considered to be about 24 weeks. The governor's proposal would change state law to allow abortion after fetal viability if its deemed necessary by a physician.

The Democrats control the state Legislature and its committees, and used that advantage to pass the bill through a judiciary committee. The measure could make it to the Maine House of Representatives as soon as next week.