Abortion Grant Program Bill
Maryland Delegate Lesley Lopez has proposed legislation that will ensure access to funding for abortion care here in Maryland. The bill, HB0930, establishes the Public Health Abortion Grant Program. This program is funded by unused dollars collected by insurance companies, as mandated by the Affordable Care Act, to be directed to abortion providers for the sole purpose of abortion care.
If passed, it will not require any dollars from the state budget. Read more in Delegate Lopez’ talking points (4-page .pdf)
Take action.
Ask your organization leader to add their name and contact info. to the google doc from Delegate Lopez's office: Public Health Abortion Grant Program Coalition Participation Form
The Maryland State Senate has filed bill SB0848 that matches and supports House bill HB0930. Provide testimony, written or in person, for support of the bills HB0930 and SB0848.
Contact your representatives and urge them to vote “YES” on this proposed grant program. Find your state legislators at the Maryland General Assembly “Find My Representatives page. Click on Lookup to put your address/zip in to find your legislators’ contact information.
Send a Letter
Send a letter in support of the bills to your legislator, for example:
”Dear [your legislator title and last name],
On behalf of everyone who may need access to abortion care in Maryland, but are unable to afford it – or, for safety reasons, cannot go through their insurance – I ask that you vote YES on the proposed Public Health Abortion Grant Program (HB0930).
This grant program makes use of unused funds earmarked for abortion care, and won’t cost Maryland taxpayers a penny. It will ensure continued access to safe abortion care for thousands, potentially saving lives. And it will also keep abortion clinics financially afloat so they can carry out their mission of reproductive freedom for all.
Voting YES on HB0930 will strengthen Maryland’s newly-passed state constitutional amendment. Plus it will help pave the way to abortion care access for ALL who need it. Please don’t let these available funds go unused any longer.
Your vote for safe abortion care, and for affordable abortion access, will be greatly appreciated and help Maryland shine as the “Free State” it is. Thank you for voting for safe healthcare for all.
Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]”
Provide feedback to the Montgomery, County, MD NOW chapter. Let the Chair of the Reproductive Justice Task Force know if there are other actions you think the chapter could be taking to help create awareness or specific partner organizations we should partner with to support these bills.