While Republican-led states that have banned the care are threatening legal action against Maine, 11 other states have passed similar shield laws that protect practitioners who provide gender-affirming and abortion care to residents of other states.
Joe Lawlor
Staff Writer
Joe Lawlor writes about health and human services for the Press Herald. A 24-year newspaper veteran, Lawlor has worked in Ohio, Michigan and Virginia before relocating to Maine in 2013 to join the Press Herald. He is still considered “from away” but since then, he has learned what a “dooryard” is, eaten “whoopie pies” drank Moxie and boiled some “lobstahs.”  The stories he enjoys most are when he learns something and meeting inspiring people.
He lives in South Portland - aka “SoPo” -  with his wife, Melanie, and two school-age children.
COVID better contained 4 years later, but long-haul cases still not well understood
Though gathering restrictions and mask mandates are gone, vaccines remain the best defense while the coronavirus continues to circulate and researchers try to find treatments for long COVID.
New state law makes medical bills in Maine more transparent
Health care providers must now identify where services were provided when submitting claims.
Army says Lewiston shooter’s brain injury may lead to changes in blast training
Robert Card was ‘exposed to thousands of low-level blasts’ during Army grenade training in New York state, and the injury to his brain likely played a role in his behavioral changes before the mass shooting, researchers say.
Forensic analysis shows Lewiston shooter had traumatic brain injury
Robert Card’s family agreed to release the findings of the brain analysis Wednesday.
Maine lawmakers consider bill to protect providers of abortions, gender affirming care
The proposal would make Maine a ‘safe harbor’ for health care that has been banned or restricted in other states.
Mills administration wants to roll back law expanding financial support for older Mainers
The governor’s administration wants to scale back legislation expanding access to the Medicare Savings Program, which helps many older residents cover health care costs.
Maine secretary of state won’t bar Trump from ballot after Supreme Court says states lack authority
Shenna Bellows withdrew her ruling against former President Donald Trump’s eligibility in response to the high court’s unanimous ruling.
Leap day babies celebrate birthdays for ‘real’ this year
Leap day – Feb. 29 – only occurs once every 1,461 days, making those born on the date members of a pretty exclusive club.
Maine nursing homes say more state funds are needed to prevent closures
A new coalition of care providers and advocates is asking for $31 million in state funding in this year’s budget.
 
				
 
				 
				 
				 
				 
				 
				 
				 
				