H 377 Massachusetts House · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act to protect patient privacy and prevent unfair and deceptive advertising of pregnancy-related services

This bill creates a new chapter in Massachusetts law to protect the privacy of individuals seeking pregnancy-related services and to regulate how pregnancy services centers advertise their offerings. It defines key terms such as "pregnancy services center," which includes facilities that do not provide abortions or emergency contraception, and establishes strict rules for how these centers can collect and use personal information. Under the new provisions, centers must obtain clear, affirmative consent from clients before gathering their data and are prohibited from using misleading statements or deceptive design in their marketing materials. The legislation also restricts the sharing of client information with third parties unless specific consent is given, aiming to ensure transparency and respect for patient autonomy.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
Senate Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action May 30, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
5
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 16, 2023
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
lower
1 primary · 8 co-sponsors

Sponsors