Maryland expands abortion access as lawmakers override Republican governor

Midwives, nurses and physician assistants authorised to perform abortions after lawmakers approve bill vetoed by Larry Hogan

Maryland has become the 15th US state to allow health professionals other than doctors to carry out abortions, as part of a bill expanding access to reproductive rights for women.

Under the new law, midwives, senior nurses and trained doctor's assistants will be authorised to perform medical abortions from 1 July. The bill also directs the state to ring-fence $3.5m a year for abortion-care training.