Lawmakers in Hawaii recently passed legislation expanding abortion protections, aiming to keep abortion legal in Hawaii no matter what happens nationally. Hawaii legalized abortion in 1970, before Roe v. Wade, and privacy regarding reproductive choice is protected under the Hawaii State Constitution. The current legislation updates the 1970 law in two ways: it removes the requirement that women obtaining abortions in the state be residents of at least 90 days; and further clarifies that abortions may be performed in clinics and doctors’ offices outside of hospitals. Health regulations regarding abortion procedures and licensing remain in effect, reports The Hawaii Channel.
The Hawaii House and Senate passed the measure earlier this month, and it was sent to Governor Linda Lingle. She has a history of pro-choice positions, and is not expected to veto the law.
