Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell is calling for urgent updates to the state's pioneering shield law, originally passed in 2022, to enhance protections for healthcare providers and patients seeking reproductive and gender-affirming care. During a recent Senate Committee on Steering and Policy meeting, Campbell emphasized the need to address gaps in the law amid a shifting national landscape that has seen increased hostility towards such care.

The shield law, which was the first of its kind in the nation, has allowed thousands of patients to access necessary services over the past three years. However, Campbell pointed out that states like Texas and Louisiana are pursuing legal actions against providers in states with protective laws, highlighting the need for Massachusetts to bolster its defenses.

Key proposals for strengthening the shield law include extending protections against law enforcement cooperation with out-of-state investigations, granting the Attorney General explicit authority to enforce the law, and safeguarding electronic medical records from out-of-state access. Additionally, Campbell advocated for a state equivalent to the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) to ensure emergency abortion care access and protections for all licensed medical professionals involved in reproductive health.

The Attorney General also stressed the importance of protecting transgender youth and their families from out-of-state legal repercussions related to gender-affirming care. With nearly unanimous bipartisan support for the original shield law, Campbell expressed optimism about collaborating with the legislature to enhance these critical protections at a time when they are increasingly needed.