An Act to repeal archaic laws criminalizing pregnancy
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill seeks to remove outdated laws in Massachusetts that criminalized pregnancy and the concealment of deaths related to childbirth. Specifically, it aims to repeal laws dating back to a time when women’s reproductive rights were significantly restricted. The legislation addresses historical injustices and seeks to align the state’s legal framework with modern understandings of reproductive autonomy. It is part of a series of efforts to decriminalize various offenses.
Key provisions
- Repeal of laws criminalizing pregnancy.
- Removal of penalties for concealing the death of a child born out of wedlock.
- Addresses historical legal restrictions on women's reproductive rights.
- Part of a broader effort to decriminalize related offenses.
Who is affected
- Women in Massachusetts
- Descendants of individuals impacted by historical laws
- Legal professionals and the judiciary
Notable changes
- Eliminates criminal penalties associated with pregnancy.
- Reverses laws that historically penalized women for childbirth-related events.
Bill text
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
3 on record
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
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