Reproductive Equity Now Applauds Connecticut Legislature on Passing of Urgent Immigrant Protections and Clearing Way for Increased Provider Funding
REN urges CT Gov. Lamont to quickly implement newly approved measures
Hartford, CT (November 18, 2025) – Reproductive Equity Now (REN) released the following statement after last week’s Connecticut Legislature’s special session, where lawmakers advanced key measures to protect reproductive health care access, safeguard immigrant communities, and stabilize the state’s hospital system.
“As our communities continue to face the harms and crises perpetuated by the Trump administration, we are grateful that the Connecticut legislature stepped up to do the essential work of fighting back and protecting our state by opening up critical funding to strengthen our protections,” said Liz Gustafson, Connecticut State Director of Reproductive Equity Now. “This funding gives Connecticut the critical opportunity to respond to the relentless attacks by the Trump administration, and support frontline health care providers like Planned Parenthood of Southern New England. Now it is up to Governor Lamont to also meet this moment by swiftly appropriating funding to keep clinic doors open, and by allocating resources to the people and providers who need them most. The need is immediate, and Connecticut cannot afford delay.”
REN highlighted the following provisions passed last week, which now move to the Governor’s office for implementation:
Potential Funding for Planned Parenthood: Connecticut lawmakers approved a $500 million emergency fund in response to the loss of federal dollars to allocate to health care providers, as well as safety-net programs such as WIC, SNAP, housing and child care . REN urges the Governor to direct a portion of this funding to Planned Parenthood of Southern New England, which lost critical resources due to federal cuts in H.R. 1.
Protections for Immigrant Communities: The legislature advanced measures to further protect Connecticut’s immigrant residents, including banning state agencies from sharing personal information including home, work, or school addresses, or dates of court hearings or appointments. Additionally, the bill codifies courthouse protections previously enacted by Chief Justice Raheem Mullins, prohibiting arrests by ICE agents inside state courthouses without a federal warrant. As one of the almost 100 organizations signed on to a letter demanding robust protections for immigrant communities, REN will continue to advocate to ensure robust protections for all of our state’s residents.
UConn Health Hospital Acquisition: Lawmakers approved UConn Health’s ability to purchase Waterbury Hospital, as well as two independent hospitals– Bristol Hospital and Day Kimball– an important step towards protecting health care access for the communities they serve. As rural and community hospitals face closure across the country, or are increasingly acquired by religiously-affiliated health systems, this move is expected to not only ensure continuity of care, but ensure continuity of quality care to the full range of essential sexual, reproductive, and labor and delivery care.
REN will continue monitoring implementation and advocating for equitable, accessible reproductive health care across Connecticut.
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