Vermont Governor Signs 1st In Nation Shield Bills That Explicitly Include Medicated Abortion

Vermont Leads the Way: Groundbreaking Bills Signed into Law Protecting Abortion and Gender Affirming Care In a historic move, Vermont's Republican governor has signed into law two groundbreaking bills that set a new standard for reproductive and gender affirming rights in the United States. These bills, the first of their kind, explicitly protect access to a crucial medication used in abortions, even if the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) withdraws its approval of the pill known as mifepristone. The significance of these bills extends beyond the protection of access to medication. They also shield healthcare providers from disciplinary action when providing legally protected reproductive and gender affirming services. This critical step ensures that providers can continue to offer essential care without fear of retribution. Governor Phil Scott, a Republican, expressed his support for the bills, stating, "Today, we reaffirm once again that Vermont stands on the side of privacy, personal autonomy, and reproductive liberty, and that providers are free to practice without fear." With this statement, Vermont solidifies its commitment to upholding individual rights and ensuring that healthcare decisions remain between patients and their trusted providers. The bills, which passed both the House and Senate, include a comprehensive definition of "reproductive health care services," encompassing medication approved by the FDA for pregnancy termination as of January 1, 2023, regardless of its current FDA approval status. While other states' shield laws may cover similar provisions, Vermont's law explicitly addresses this issue, providing clarity and certainty for patients and healthcare providers. Planned Parenthood, a prominent reproductive health organization, supports Vermont's law as a significant step in safeguarding reproductive rights. The recent action by the U.S. Supreme Court also plays a role in this ongoing battle. The court upheld women's access to mifepristone, rejecting restrictions imposed by lower courts while a lawsuit unfolds. This decision came in response to emergency requests from the Biden administration and Danco Laboratories, the manufacturer of mifepristone, as they challenge a Texas lower court ruling seeking to revoke FDA approval. The case will proceed to arguments before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit, based in New Orleans, on May 17. However, the future remains uncertain, as Isabel Guarnieri from the Guttmacher Institute warns of potential chaos and confusion surrounding the legal protections. The outcome of the Fifth Circuit Court's decision and subsequent appeals will undoubtedly have significant implications for reproductive rights nationwide. Greer Donley, an expert in abortion law from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, highlights the tension between federal and state regulations. While states cannot allow medications prohibited by the federal government, it remains to be seen if the federal government will actively enforce its ban should states choose to diverge. As Vermont paves the way with its progressive legislation, the nation watches closely, anticipating the impact these bills will have on reproductive healthcare rights and the ongoing battle for autonomy and equality.