BOSTON — Gov. Charlie Baker on Friday signed an executive order to protect access to reproductive healthcare services in Massachusetts after the United States Supreme Court ended constitutional protections for abortion that had been in place nearly 50 years.
“I am deeply disappointed in today’s decision by the Supreme Court which will have major consequences for women across the country who live in states with limited access to reproductive health care services. The Commonwealth has long been a leader in protecting a woman’s right to choose and access to reproductive health services, while other states have criminalized or otherwise restricted access,” Baker said in a statement.
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Baker added, “This executive order will further preserve that right and protect reproductive health care providers who serve out of state residents. In light of the Supreme Court’s ruling overturning Roe v Wade, it is especially important to ensure that Massachusetts providers can continue to provide reproductive health care services without concern that the laws of other states may be used to interfere with those services or sanction them for providing services that are lawful in the Commonwealth.”
Several other states have imposed laws that would criminalize providing abortions and other reproductive health services. Baker noted that his order will protect providers who perform services for out of state individuals, as well as individuals from out of state, who seek services that are lawful in Massachusetts.
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The order also prohibits any Executive Department agencies from assisting another state’s investigation into a person for receiving or delivering reproductive health services in Massachusetts.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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