THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2025 Page 7 Massachusetts Legislature Strengthens Protections for Reproductive and Gender-Affirming Health Care Services Legislation in response to federal threats bans data sharing, shields patients and providers B OSTON — The Massachusetts Legislature recently passed a bill known as the healthcare Shield Act 2.0, a bill that will fortify protections for those seeking and providing reproductive and gender-affi rming care in the Commonwealth. The bill, S.2543, which was approved by both the Senate and House chambers on a bipartisan basis, continues the Legislature’s track record of ensuring patients are able to make decisions regarding their own health care. The Shield Act 2.0 protects access to reproductive and transgender healthcare in Massachusetts. It also adds a layer of protection for patients and providers at a time when attacks on reproductive and transgender rights are escalating on multiple fronts, including executive orders from the Trump Administration, federal funding freezes for care providers, a Supreme Court decision ruling against transgender care, and other states’ lawsuits against physicians providing reproductive healthcare. It builds off the model legislation of the ROE Act and the original shield legislation enacted in 2022. “Massachusetts will not back down when it comes to protecting our residents and defending our values,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Our residents—indeed all Americans—deserve the right to make their own health care decisions in consultation with their providers. In Massachusetts, we do not discriminate based on the type of care you seek, and this bill strengthens protections for transgender people and those who have the ability to get pregnant. I applaud Senator Cindy Friedman and the Senate Committee on Steering and Policy for coalescing around this bill at this crucial time as part of the Senate’s Response 2025 initiative. I’d also like to thank Senate Judiciary Chair Edwards, Senate Ways and Means Chair Rodrigues, and my Senate colleagues, along with Speaker Mariano and our colleagues in the House, for getting this bill to the Governor’s desk.” “As the Trump Administration and Republicans across the country continue to target individuals for exercising their right to make their own health care decisions in consultation with their doctor, this legislation is representative of the Legislature’s commitment to preserving that fundamental right,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “This Shield Act builds on the Commonwealth’s proud history of preserving and expanding access to reproducLEGISLATURE | SEE Page 21 SABATINO/MASTROCOLA INSURANCE AGENCY 519 BROADWAY EVERETT, MA 02149 Auto * Home * Boat * Renter * Condo * Life * Multi-Policy Discounts * Commercial 10% Discounts * Registry Service Also Available Sabatino Insurance is proud to welo welcome the loyal customers of tino Insur nce is p yal customers of ALWAYS READY TO SERVE YOU: Our Staff are, Emma Davidson, Jeimy Sanchez, Josephine Leone, Marie D’Amore, Rocco Longo, Z’andre Lopez, Anthony DiPierro, Darius Goudreau, Laurette Murphy, Danielle Goudreau and Tina Davidson. PHONE: (617) 387-7466 FAX: (617) 381-9186 Visit us online at: WWW.SABATINO-INS.COM co
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