Last updated on July 4th, 2023 at 04:07 pm
An amendment aimed at preventing the trafficking of fetal body parts in Maine was voted down as the state moves closer to legalizing abortion up until birth. Senator Eric Brakey introduced the amendment, which would have imposed a four-year ban on such trafficking. He expressed concerns about potential market demand for fetal remains without the amendment, citing the exclusive arrangement between Dr. Shannon Carr’s former clinic and the University of New Mexico for research purposes. Over 500 aborted babies from Carr’s clinic were transferred to UNM and then to other institutions.
Brakey argued that the demand for late-term fetal body parts for research could create incentives for elective late-term abortions unrelated to maternal health concerns. The Center for Medical Progress previously conducted an undercover investigation that revealed the abortion industry’s practice of selling fetal body parts.
Senator Mattie Daughtry filed a motion to indefinitely postpone consideration of the amendment, which passed with a 23-11 vote. A similar bill granting mothers the right to decide the fate of fetal remains was also voted down in 2021. The Maine House and Senate have both voted in favor of legalizing abortion throughout all nine months of pregnancy for any reason. It is anticipated that Governor Mills will sign the bill into law.