Session Updates, April 22nd

April 26, 2022

As we witness anti-abortion laws being enacted across the country and anticipate the overturn of Roe v. Wade, expanding access and protecting reproductive rights in Connecticut has never been more important.

The landmark decision of Roe v. Wade, which upholds a women’s right to choose, is codified into our state law, but that does not mean we are fully protected nor that everyone has access. While abortion-related care will remain legal here, many other states are trying to ban or burden such care outside their borders. 

This week, the House voted to enact legal protections against out-of-state bans and expand the types of providers eligible to perform abortions.

HB 5414, An Act Concerning the Provision of Protections for Persons Receiving And Providing Reproductive Health Care Services in the State and Access to Reproductive Health Care Services in the State:
  • Expands eligibility to perform abortion care to include advanced nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and physician assistants.
  • Prohibits state and local agencies and health care providers from assisting in out-of-state investigations or prosecutions of reproductive health care that is legal in Connecticut.
  • Protects medical privacy by preventing the disclosure of medical information related to reproductive health care that is legal in Connecticut.
  • Protects individuals from extradition to other states for seeking, providing, or assisting others in obtaining reproductive health care that is legal in Connecticut.
  • Provides a cause of action where someone sued in another state for allegedly providing, or receiving support for, reproductive health services that are legal in Connecticut can recover any damages, attorney fees, or costs related to that lawsuit. 

It has been 32 years since the legislature examined abortion laws in our state. Today, other states are infringing upon an individual’s right to choose, and are attempting to impose their restrictive and punitive laws to care that takes place in states like Connecticut, where it is protected. It is important that we act now to expand access and protect our residents and other individuals that come to Connecticut seeking care. 

I am proud to have worked on this legislation alongside my colleague, Representative Matt Blumenthal, and I am so thankful for the tireless advocates at Planned Parenthood Votes! Connecticut, Pro-Choice Connecticut and the ACLU of Connecticut. 

Now, this bill moves to the Senate for consideration.

 
Women's Health Bill Passes
I am so proud that HB 5278, An Act Prohibiting An Unauthorized Intimate Examination On A Patient Who Is Under Deep Sedation Or Anesthesia Or Unconscious, passed unanimously in the House this week. This bill requires consent for intimate exams when a patient is sedated and furthers Endometriosis training and research. It also expands breast cancer screenings offered to high-risk populations under the Department of Public Health's early detection and treatment referral program. 

This is a critically important bill for women's health in Connecticut. I'm proud to support this bill alongside Rep. Conley and Rep. Elliot and I'm hopeful for passage in the Senate. 

 
Women's History Month Essay Contest
Last month, I partnered with my colleagues State Representatives Kate Farrar and Tammy Exum, the first all-female delegation from West Hartford, in hosting a Women’s History Essay contest for Conard and Hall High School students. We joined the West Hartford Rotary Club on Monday to celebrate our contest winners, Annie and Amithi. 

I am so grateful to the students who participated in our essay contest to reflect on the courage of women throughout history and to celebrate how their contributions helped pave the way for future generations. It is wonderful to hear about the women who are inspiring our young people to break through barriers.

 
Earth Day
Happy Earth Day! This year's theme is 'Invest In Our Planet.' Addressing climate change in a meaningful way presents us with the opportunity to create, evolve, and maintain a sustainable environment, a robust economy and a higher quality of life for current and future generations. 

A green future is a prosperous one. Earthday.org offers 52 ways to invest in the planet. I hope you'll check them out!