State lawmakers working on new reproductive rights bill

Litsa Pappas
·2 min read

House Bill 4930 is up for a vote Wednesday to expand the right to an abortion in Massachusetts.

The bill aims to protect providers and their patients even if those patients are from out of state.

“This bill is really about in many ways, creating a safe haven for care here in Massachusetts,” said Rep. Mike Connolly. “So it would shield providers, it would shield patients and residents who seek reproductive care or gender-affirming care.”

House Speaker Ron Mariano is leading the push to pass this bill.

“We want to make sure we have Roe v. Wade on the books, we codified it, now we want to protect the people who have to use it,” said Speaker Mariano.

22 members of the Ways and Means Committee voted Tuesday to move the bill forward for a vote in the House, while 7 members reserved their rights, instead of supporting or opposing the bill.

“I think it sends an important message to our constituents and to the residents of the Commonwealth as well as to the people all across the nation that Massachusetts will remain a beacon of reproductive freedom and civil liberties,” said Rep. Connolly.

If this passes into state law, there would be stronger liability protections for providers and patients, law enforcement would be barred from helping federal agents or police from out of state make an arrest related to someone getting an abortion here, and it would mandate health insurers to cover abortions.

The bill also includes boosting access to emergency contraception.

“We want them protected, we don’t want anyone coming in and making arrests or suing people or putting anyone’s license in jeopardy,” said Mariano. “All of these things are real issues.”

If the House approves the bill Wednesday, it would move on to the Senate for debate before heading to the Governor’s desk.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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