Maine lawmakers passed LD 227 last week. It now heads to the governor's desk. (Darin Oswald/Idaho Statesman/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Maine's LD 227 is part of a broader effort nationwide by blue state lawmakers to shield medical providers performing abortions or transgender surgical procedures on minors who do not have full parental support. More than a dozen states have shield laws in place protecting abortion providers from out-of-state investigations where abortion is illegal.
It would also prohibit "interference" with abortion or sex change procedures, legally protect medical workers from facing lawsuits and could potentially permit concealment of medical records from plaintiffs seeking legal action against a provider.
Republicans who oppose the bill caution it might inadvertently allow for the "kidnapping" of adolescents in states that have heavier restrictions to undergo these procedures if they are taken across state lines to Maine.
GOP AGS WARN MAINE TO KILL ‘TOTALITARIAN’ BILL MAKING SANCTUARY STATE
A transgender flag unfurled on a pole. LD 227 would safeguard transgender surgeries for children and protect providers from lawsuits. (Getty Images)
At least 23 states restrict or ban transgender surgical procedures for minors. Proponents of Maine's proposed legislation, including Planned Parenthood, argue it will provide much needed protection for medical providers in the state.
Fox News' Brianna Herlihy contributed to this report.
Jamie Joseph is a writer who covers politics. She leads Fox News Digital coverage of the Senate.
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