HARTFORD, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - Reproductive rights advocates and lawmakers joined Governor Ned Lamont on the north steps of the State Capitol Tuesday for the signing of a bill that protects people receiving and providing reproductive health care services in Connecticut, including abortion.
The Reproductive Freedom Defense Act provides protections for people seeking abortions who may be traveling from other states that have outlawed abortion.
Medical providers who offer reproductive care services, such as abortion, are also protected under the new law. Access to abortion is expanded as well. The law increases the type of medical practitioners that are eligible to perform certain abortion-related care.
"I hope [this bill] is a template and example for other states around the country," Lamont said at the bill signing ceremony.
Many agreed with that sentiment, including Reproductive Rights Caucus Co-Chair Representative Jillian Gilchrest.
There are legislative leaders and lawmakers in Connecticut, she said, who will continue to fight so that access to abortion isn't dependent on income, race or zip code.
"It's a dark time for our country and I'm glad that Connecticut can be a light," Gilchrest said. "Access to abortion grants us freedom."
Fellow Reproductive Rights Caucus Co-Chair Representative Matt Blumenthal stated that the bill also serves as a message for states that are looking to outlaw abortion.
"This law says to people across the country essentially, 'Texas, don't mess with Connecticut,'" Blumenthal said.
He stressed that Connecticut will protect its doctors and any person seeking an abortion.