Maine Gov. John Baldacci (D) on Monday signed into law a bill (LD 1152) that will allow pharmacists in the state to dispense emergency contraception to women without a doctor's prescription, the AP/Portland Press Herald reports (Adams, AP/Portland Press Herald, 3/22). Under the legislation, pharmacists will have the option of dispensing EC -- which can reduce the risk of pregnancy if taken within 72 hours of sexual intercourse -- but will not be required to dispense the pills (Kaiser Daily Reproductive Health Report, 2/27). Baldacci said that the new law will help reduce the number of unintended pregnancies in the state, according to the AP/Press Herald. Baldacci added that the law "marks another milepost in the advancement of reproductive rights for women in Maine." State Sen. Lynn Bromley (D) said that the bill had bipartisan support, adding, "Regardless of the position my colleagues had on legal abortion, we all recognized the need to address the issue of unintended pregnancy and, perhaps as a result, change the future for these women." Bromley said that approximately 45% of all pregnancies in Maine are unintended, 40% of which end in abortion. Bromley added that offering EC without a doctor's prescription could reduce the number of unintended pregnancies in the state by up to 50% (AP/Portland Press Herald, 3/22). The measure is expected to take effect 90 days after the state Legislature adjourns. Maine is the sixth state -- after Alaska, Hawaii, New Mexico, Washington and California -- to pass legislation making EC available through a pharmacist without a prescription (Kaiser Daily Reproductive Health Report, 2/27).