REPRODUCTIVE & MATERNAL HEALTH CARE

The following bills are the reproductive and maternal health care-related bills I have filed for 2025-2026. Additionally, I have cosponsored a great many bills. Please click on the bill name to see the full text of the bill.

An Act prioritizing patient access to care

This bill amends Section 12N of Chapter 112 to allow abortions based on a physician's professional judgment, removing previous requirements such as preserving the patient's life or health, or fetal anomalies. It also revises Section 12N1/2, removing language that required independent consideration by a physician and health care proxy for pregnancies over 24 weeks. The bill further changes the language to focus on the physician's professional judgment instead of a formal determination process. Additionally, it eliminates a paragraph from Section 12P, further streamlining abortion-related regulations. Filed with Rep. Barber.

An Act relative to the creation of an endometriosis task force

This bill establishes an endometriosis task force within the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, with representatives from various health organizations, insurance, research groups, and individuals with endometriosis. The task force is tasked with developing annual summaries of advancements in research, treatment, and access to care for endometriosis. It will also create and update a strategic plan to improve health outcomes, including better research, diagnosis, and healthcare delivery. The task force will submit its recommendations to the governor and legislative leaders by December 31 each year. Filed with Rep. Hendricks.

An Act promoting and enhancing the sustainability of birth centers and the midwifery workforce

This bill establishes the Midwifery Workforce Development Fund to support midwifery education, student loans, and retention, with a focus on underserved areas. It mandates equal payment rates for services by certified nurse-midwives and certified professional midwives, as well as services at freestanding birth centers. It also requires licensing guidelines for birth centers, data collection through a Community Birth Data Registry, and support for birth centers facing financial hardship. Annual reports and progress updates on these initiatives are required for transparency and accountability. Filed with Rep. Cruz.

An Act ensuring access to full spectrum pregnancy care

This bill requires full coverage, without cost sharing, of all pregnancy related care. It amends various sections of the General Laws to include licensed certified professional midwives alongside certified nurse midwives in health insurance and Medicaid-related regulations. Additionally, it mandates that relevant commissions and commissioners ensure that health plans comply with the updated regulations. The changes apply to all health insurance policies subject to specific chapters, starting six months after the bill's effective date.

An Act relative to Insurance Coverage for Doula Services

This bill mandates health insurance policies to cover doula services, including physical, emotional, and informational support, without cost-sharing requirements for individuals insured under various health plans in Massachusetts. It establishes guidelines for the reimbursement of doulas at MassHealth rates and requires a minimum of 20 hours of prenatal and postpartum doula services per pregnancy. The bill also creates a Doula Advisory Committee to ensure effective integration of doulas in healthcare and address issues like reimbursement, billing, and workforce diversity. Additionally, it grants patients the right to have their doula present during labor and delivery without unnecessary barriers.

An Act relative to protecting reproductive destiny

This bill prohibits sterilization for individuals 18 years or older who are unable to give informed consent, including those in state institutions or under guardianship. It also mandates that Medicaid coverage be expanded to include voluntary female sterilization, even if the federally required 30-day waiting period is not met, provided the individual has completed decision counseling and signed an informed written consent. Decision counseling ensures patients are fully informed about the effects and permanency of sterilization. The bill outlines the procedures for informed written consent and coverage for voluntary female sterilization. Filed with Rep. Higgins.

An Act relative to IUD pain management coverage

This bill mandates that insurance coverage, including policies under various chapters (32A, 118E, 175, 176A, 176B, and 176G), provide pain control methods during intrauterine device (IUD) insertion, such as sedation and anesthesia, as prescribed by a provider. Coverage for these services must not involve any cost-sharing requirements like deductibles or co-payments, and should not impose unreasonable delays or restrictions. Employers who are churches or church-controlled organizations can request exemptions from these requirements but must notify prospective enrollees about the services they refuse to cover for religious reasons. The bill applies to policies delivered, issued, or renewed after September 1, 2026.

An Act enhancing post-pregnancy mental health care

This bill expands coverage for post-pregnancy mental health care, including postpartum and post-miscarriage mental health care, under various sections of Massachusetts law. The coverage for these services is not subject to any cost-sharing requirements like deductibles or copayments, and it must be provided without unreasonable restrictions or delays. It also ensures that benefits are extended to an enrollee’s spouse and dependents. The act will take effect six months after its passage and applies to various health insurance programs, including Medicaid, private insurance, and group health plans.

An Act relative to deceptive trade practices

The bill bans abortion pill reversal, making it illegal for healthcare providers to administer or promote the reversal of a medication abortion through the use of progesterone. This bill seeks to prevent the practice as it lacks sufficient scientific evidence and can pose health risks. Providers would be prohibited from prescribing progesterone to reverse an abortion, and violating the law could lead to penalties. The law aims to ensure that patients receive medically sound information and treatment options based on established medical guidelines.