Gov. Ned Lamont on Friday invited businesses in states where women’s rights have been restricted by a recent Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade to move to Connecticut.
The announcement came on the same day that a new state law takes effect, making Connecticut a “safe harbor” for abortion seekers.
In an open letter, Lamont and Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz pointed to the skilled workforce, quality of life and values in Connecticut that “we know will make you, your families and your employees feel welcome.”
“If you are looking to relocate to a state that supports the rights of women and whose actions and laws are unwavering in support of tolerance and inclusivity, Connecticut is for you,” the letter states. “Connecticut has a record of providing equal opportunity to all people and one of the strongest records when it comes to protecting reproductive rights.”
The right to abortion has been codified into Connecticut law since the 1990s. Current law states that “the decision to terminate a pregnancy prior to the viability of the fetus shall be solely that of the pregnant woman in consultation with her physician.”
Under the new law, not only physicians but advanced practice registered nurses, nurse midwives or physician assistants are allowed to perform aspiration abortions in the first 12 weeks of a pregnancy.
Connecticut’s new law also creates a legal cause of action for abortion providers and others when they’re sued in another state for helping an out-of-state patient obtain legal abortion services.
Further, the new law limits the governor’s discretion to extradite someone accused of performing abortion services that are legal in Connecticut.
The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade means that access to reproductive rights will be decided by individual states.
“We know the prospect of leaving a state you’ve called home is difficult, but on behalf of the state of Connecticut, we want to assure you that we can make our small corner of New England feel like home very quickly,” Lamont said.
Lamont invited businesses interested in relocating to Connecticut to visit advancect.org.
