Mass. House approves bill to strengthen privacy and legal protections for reproductive and gender-affirming care

BOSTON — On July 9, 2025, the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed an amended version of Senate Bill 2543, "An Act strengthening health care protections in the Commonwealth," sending the measure to be engrossed after floor debate and several roll-call and voice votes.

The bill, as debated, aims to shield personally identifiable health information related to abortions, in vitro fertilization, miscarriage management and gender-affirming care; restrict cooperation with out-of-state investigations into those services; empower health agencies to alter prescription monitoring for certain drugs; and limit professional-board discipline and insurance or court-based penalties tied to legally protected care in Massachusetts.

Supporters said the bill updates previous protections and responds to efforts in other states and at the federal level that they said could interfere with medical decision-making in Massachusetts. "Today, we act to ensure the protection of our residents who would dare to exercise their rights to make their own health care decisions," said Representative Day of Stonem, a lead floor speaker for the bill, adding the measure seeks to protect both patients and…