February 9th, 2023 by WCBC Radio

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and top state lawmakers announced support Thursday for a package of measures protecting abortion rights, including a state constitutional amendment.  House Speaker Adrienne Jones and Senate President Bill Ferguson, who are both Democrats, joined the governor at a news conference to back a measure that would protect patients and providers in Maryland from criminal, civil and administrative penalties relating to abortion bans or restrictions in other states. Dozens of senators and delegates stood by them at a crowded announcement.

“We’re going to make sure that Maryland is a safe haven for abortion rights long after I’m governor of this state," Moore said.

Jones, who is sponsoring the constitutional amendment, noted that nearly half of the states are banning or heavily restricting abortion, including neighboring West Virginia. The speaker also emphasized the importance of protecting privacy.