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Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont signs abortion rights bill aimed at protecting patients and providers

Connecticut Gov. Lamont signs law protecting abortion seekers
Connecticut Gov. Lamont signs law protecting abortion seekers 00:33

HARTFORD, Conn. -- Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont on Tuesday signed a new law to expand access to abortion rights.

The law protects medical providers and patients seeking abortion care in Connecticut who may be traveling from other states that have outlawed abortion. 

It is the first law in the country that offers this protection.

The legislation comes after the leak of a draft opinion suggesting the Supreme Court may overturn the law legalizing abortion. 

"You decide when you are ready to be pregnant and when you are ready to have that baby, and that is what is under threat and that is what this bill is all about. To me, it's shocking, everybody talking about freedom. This is a fundamental freedom issue that is being challenged by the Supreme Court," Lamont said.

The law goes into effect on July 1.

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