Several of Connecticut’s largest law firms are joining forces to provide free legal advice to abortion clinics and their patients.

The new hotline is an attempt to protect against legal actions from states with abortion bans, plus any new restrictions from the incoming Trump administration.

With Donald Trump returning to the White House, and Republicans potentially controlling both houses of Congress, abortion providers in Connecticut are nervous.

“I’ve gotten a bunch of texts from people saying that they were scared,” said Connecticut Attorney General William Tong. “I’m scared too.”

Tong joined reproductive rights advocates on Friday to launch a new Connecticut Abortion Legal Hotline. Major law firms across the state, as well as Massachusetts, will offer free legal guidance to patients and clinics.

“Questions like, ‘I’m an abortion provider helping a patient traveling from out-of-state. How do I protect the patient and how do I protect myself?’” said Rebecca Hart Holder, president of Reproductive Equity Now. “Attorney General [Ken] Paxton in Texas has made clear that he will go after the hospital – the private health care records of patients.”

Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, nearly half of states have passed near total abortion bans – some with criminal penalties. That has led to a 150% increase in patients traveling to Connecticut for abortion services in 2024, according to Planned Parenthood of Southern New England.

“The attorney general of Texas, the attorney general of Florida – they have enormous resources,” Tong said. “And I know what their intentions are.”

Connecticut already has a “shield law” protecting patient records from out-of-state subpoenas. But many people don’t know their rights.

“Abortion laws are a mess in this country and everyone is confused,” said Alyce Coleman, with the Connecticut REACH Fund , which helps patients travel to Connecticut for abortion services. “I’m struggling myself.”

The new hotline number is 833-309-6301. Those who leave a message can expect a call back from a lawyer within two to three days. The firms participating include Koskoff Koskoff & Bieder in Bridgeport.

“Since our founding, Koskoff attorneys have stood up for the rights and liberties of all people, especially the most vulnerable,” said Chris Mattei, a partner at the firm and former federal prosecutor. “Our partnership in this effort is part of Koskoff’s longstanding commitment to advocate for safety in women’s healthcare.”

While clinics are doubling-down on protecting reproductive rights in Connecticut, abortion opponents are encouraged by Trump’s victory.

Protesters outside Planned Parenthood in New Haven on Friday said they are hoping for more restrictions nationally.

“Through Trump, we might have some more freedom and some more things with the Supreme Court,” said Wendy Brisart, of Milford.

Abortion opponents also said the new legal hotline is a waste of money.

“If you support this, it’s unspeakable,” said Jefferson Barnes, of Orange. “All the money we give in taxes could go to keep the baby alive.”