Two new laws go into effect Thursday in Maryland that the General Assembly passed in response to the end of Roe v. Wade. Both are intended to make Maryland a safe haven for those seeking abortions.

Judges in other states cannot compel testimony from providers of abortion and related health care in Maryland about their patients, and those providers are now shielded from disciplinary or adverse action from regulators and insurers under SB859/HB808. Montgomery County Sen. Will Smith sponsored the Senate version, and said the changes have a clear goal.

“This bill would protect providers and patients from administrative, civil, and criminal penalties for providing legally-protected health care inside the state of Maryland,” Smith, the chair of the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee, told WYPR. “So folks that come into Maryland to seek that health care, it protects those providers and those patients seeking that health care.”

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