Gov. Lamont signs bill that expands protection of abortion rights in CT

HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) - Demonstrations continue all over the country in support and in opposition of overturning Roe v. Wade.

On Tuesday, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont ceremonially signed into law a bill that expands abortion rights access and protections in the state.

The ceremony happened at 10 a.m. at the State Capitol building.

The new law will protect medical providers and patients seeking abortion care who may have traveled to our state from another where it is outlawed.

Organizations such as Planned Parenthood in Connecticut have been preparing for an influx of women from across the country.

The move comes as Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell has stated that a nationwide abortion ban is not out of the question.

Ever since the leak of a U.S. Supreme Court opinion draft last week that showed the court’s conservative majority intensions to overturn Roe v. Wade, reactions from both ends of the spectrum have been heard.

Some celebrated it. Others condemned it.

While the fate of Roe v. Wade hangs in the balance, Connecticut lawmakers recently passed legislation first proposed in 2013 that expands abortion rights access and protection for providers and patients.

“I am extremely happy that I live in the State of Connecticut right now,” said Sen. Gary Winfield, Democrat, New Haven. “Connecticut is a state [that] 30-some years ago codified Roe.”

Republican candidate for governor Bob Stefanowski released a statement on Roe v. Wade:

“The unauthorized leak of a draft Supreme Court decision on Roe vs. Wade, has resulted in a renewed discussion on the critical and intensely personal issue of abortion across our country.

While discussions in many states will likely continue over the summer, it is important for Connecticut residents to remember that the right to an abortion was codified into Connecticut state law over 30 years ago and regardless of what the Supreme Court decides this right will remain in effect in our state.

Further, under no circumstances will I as Governor attempt to change the existing law. A woman’s right to choose has been, is, and will remain codified in Connecticut State Law, including Connecticut’s ban on late term abortions - except in the case where the mother’s health is at risk.

Governor Lamont should clarify his position on attempts by Democrats in Washington to eliminate any restrictions whatsoever on abortions, including allowing the termination of a pregnancy up to the moment of birth, without exception. The vast majority of people in Connecticut find this to be extreme and I agree.

Does Governor Lamont support abortion right up to the moment of birth? Voters deserve to know.

Does Governor Lamont support thirteen-, fourteen-, and fifteen-year-olds seeking an abortion without the knowledge of a parent or guardian? Voters deserve to know.

Consistent with the majority of other states, Connecticut should consider a parental notification requirement for minors under sixteen seeking an abortion, except in the case of rape or incest. This requirement is already in place for most medical procedures performed on minors and abortion should be no exception.

As your Governor, I will do everything in my power to ensure that as a state we support and care for women facing these difficult decisions, and when chosen, abortions are safe and legal.”

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