Representative Kate Hogan (D-Stow) joined Governor Baker, Lt. Governor Polito, House Speaker Mariano, Senate President Spilka and other legislative and executive leaders and advocates at a State House ceremony to commemorate the signing of comprehensive legislation designed to further protect and expand reproductive health care and gender-affirming services in the Commonwealth. 

Although abortion remains legal in Massachusetts due to the Legislature’s efforts to codify and expand access to reproductive rights in 2020, the Legislature today took additional action to further protect these rights and establish additional safeguards following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. The legislation, An Act expanding protections for reproductive and gender-affirming care, provides legal protections to abortion providers, out-of-state patients, and insurers; expands access to contraceptives; and helps ensure that women who face grave circumstances after 24 weeks of pregnancy are not forced to leave Massachusetts to access reproductive health care services. 

“Just over one month after the Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade, Massachusetts leaders worked in a bipartisan manner to protect access to abortion, reproductive health care, and gender-affirming services, and to protect the providers and patients who rely on continued access to those services,” said Rep. Kate Hogan. “Massachusetts is, and has always been, a leader in the fight for equality and a fierce beacon of hope – and, now, a sanctuary where women may come for care.  We stand as an example for the nation. We refuse to go back.”