STATE TO END PARENTAL RIGHTS OF RAPISTS

ANNAPOLIS More than 10 years after supporters began pushing for it, Maryland’s legislature has decided — with unanimous votes in the Senate and House — to enable impregnated rape victims to ask judges to end the parental rights of their rapists.

Supporters say it has become embarrassing that a state known for its progressive politics is one of the last to adopt such a law. They also credit a growing sense of female empowerment for making the issue a priority.

“I think we were moving in the direction of getting done this year, period, but I think the #MeToo movement certainly helped,” said Del. Kathleen Dumais, a Democrat who practices family law.