Bill > H1662

This bill adds a new section to Massachusetts law that requires facilities performing abortions to post conspicuous signs informing patients that it is illegal for anyone to force them to have an abortion and that they have the right to freely consent and seek protection from abuse. The signs must be in both English and Spanish, with large, legible lettering, and displayed in patient waiting rooms, consultation rooms, or admission areas. Additionally, the attending physician must privately inform the pregnant patient about these rights verbally, and the patient must provide a written certification that they were informed, which will be kept in their medical file for at least 7 years. Facilities that fail to post the required sign will be fined $10,000 per day of violation, and individuals who are injured by the failure to post the sign or inform patients of their rights can bring civil action to recover damages for emotional distress. The bill aims to protect patients from coercion and ensure they are aware of their legal rights when considering an abortion.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1662