Massachusetts lawmakers aim to send abortion protections bill to Gov. Charlie Baker in two weeks

A invoice shielding abortion care suppliers and people looking for reproductive well being care in Massachusetts could possibly be despatched to Gov. Charlie Baker’s desk in slightly below two weeks, Senate Methods and Means Chairman Michael Rodrigues informed MassLive.

The Home of Representatives handed a invoice final week to defend abortion care suppliers right here within the commonwealth from antagonistic actions, together with legal lawsuits, from states like Texas the place sure reproductive well being providers are banned.

The invoice, which echoed Gov. Charlie Baker’s government order issued hours after the Supreme Court docket overturned Roe v. Wade, additionally permits suppliers and sufferers in Massachusetts to countersue over abusive litigation, amongst different key provisions.

Rodrigues, throughout an interview Thursday afternoon, informed MassLive he expects the Senate will quickly deal with a standalone invoice on reproductive rights “to make sure that we will get it completed in time” earlier than the tip of the legislative session. Senators already handed a price range coverage modification — which stays below broader fiscal 2023 negotiations — to guard abortion care suppliers and sufferers.

“We’ve to be involved about potential gubernatorial vetoes,” Rodrigues stated.

Which means the invoice should land on Baker’s desk by July 20, he stated.

Sen. Cindy Friedman, who spearheaded the abortion care price range modification, stated she and colleagues are mulling over one of the best technique — probably, making a process pressure or particular committee — to handle new authorized challenges which can be persevering with to come up in a post-Roe panorama.

But Friedman confused the abortion protections piece is “probably the most urgent problem earlier than us at this second.”

“The Senate is what level can we do a complete sit-down the place we even have time and we will see: What have we realized thus far? What do we expect is coming?” Friedman informed MassLive. “Proper now that’s actually onerous to do due to the tip of the session … I don’t see something but — we’re simply beginning these discussions.”

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