Governor Maura Healey has signed the “Shield Act 2.0”, which she has called “the strongest law in America” for enshrining gender-affirming care and abortion rights in the state of Massachusetts.
Healey, the first out lesbian governor in US history, signed the updated shield law to strengthen the state’s protections for reproductive and gender-affirming healthcare workers and patients, even in the case of federal investigations. During the public bill-signing ceremony, Healey said the law is “the strongest law in America that will protect reproductive health care, gender-affirming care, and those who provide it.”
The governor also noted Massachusetts’ positive reputation for family life and healthcare, referencing its recent recognition as the best state to raise a family and have a baby.
“That happens because of good policy and good work,” she said during a press conference. “In Massachusetts, you have the freedom, you have a choice, you have the free will to make health care decisions for yourself and your family. I think that’s so fundamental.”
The act will prevent the disclosure of sensitive data, including the names of practicing doctors. The law also prohibits Massachusetts-based authorities from cooperating with federal and out-of-state healthcare investigations, including those related to abortion. Additionally, it outlines that abortions are to be carried out in emergencies when medically necessary.
Despite the overturning of Roe v. Wade, abortion remains legal in Massachusetts up to 24 weeks of gestation, and after that time in cases of fatal fetal abnormalities and when the physical or mental health of a pregnant person is in danger.
“It strengthens access to care. It bans discrimination. It protects the privacy and safety of those seeking reproductive care, gender-affirming care,” Healey said. “No one is going to come to Massachusetts and attack our people, attack our institutions, attack our providers because we believe in freedom.”
LGBTQ+ and women’s health advocates, including Reproductive Equity Now, Health Imperatives, Fenway Health, the ACLU of Massachusetts, and Bingham and Women’s Hospital gynecologist Nicole Smith, were all present to support the “Shield Act 2.0.”
Dallas Ducar, a clinical nurse leader and executive at Fenway Health, added: “This commonwealth has made something crystal clear: We will not back down.”
“It’s a true honour today to celebrate a law that will save lives, including my own and so many other trans people who I know, so many trans kids out there who go to Fenway Health every day, among so many other organisations and receive life-saving care,” she said.
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