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I am writing in response to a letter published in the Bangor Daily News on June 6 in which I think the writer grossly mischaracterizes LD 227, a “shield law” that guarantees protection to Maine medical professionals who serve those seeking care outside their home states due to restrictive laws. LD 227, An Act Regarding Legally Protected Health Care Activity, passed by the 131st Legislature, preserves state sovereignty to protect Maine doctors and health care providers from criminal prosecution when administering legal care in the state. How is this a bad thing?
Specifically, LD 227 gives protection from actions by out-of-state entities that seek to challenge a provider’s professional licensing, as a result of delivering allowed services in Maine. Of importance is a prohibition on expenditures of public resources in any interstate investigation or proceeding. And importantly, information will not be shared to another state or private citizen relating to an investigation or inquiry into services constituting legally protected Maine health care activity.
Maine has chosen to provide reproductive care to its people, and I am glad that LD 227 will offer the protection that our Maine medical professionals need, and without additional costs to its people.
Mj Crowe
Belfast
