Massachusetts has enacted the Shield Act 2.0, enhancing protections for reproductive healthcare, including abortion and gender-affirming care. The law mandates that abortions must be performed when medically necessary and prohibits state cooperation with investigations into healthcare practices from other jurisdictions. The law also enhances privacy protections for sensitive patient information and directs the Department of Public Health to assist businesses in managing electronic medical records. The legislation aims to ensure that healthcare providers can operate without intimidation or legal repercussions for providing lifesaving care.
"Massachusetts will always be a state where patients can access high-quality health care and providers are able to do their jobs without government interference," Healey said in a statement. "From the moment Roe was overturned, we stepped up to pass strong protections for patients and providers, and with President Trump and his allies continuing their assaults on health care, we're taking those protections to the next level. No one is going to prevent the people of Massachusetts from getting the health care they need."
"Massachusetts is home to the best health care providers in the country, and we aren't going to let them be intimidated or punished for providing lifesaving care," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll.
The new law further prevents the disclosure of sensitive data, such as a physician's name, and prohibits local law enforcement from cooperating with other jurisdictions in their investigations. It also directs the Department of Public Health to create an advisory group to help guide businesses as they implement privacy protections for storing or managing electronic medical records.
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