Reproductive Equity Now Celebrates House Passage of Massachusetts Parentage Act

BOSTON (June 12, 2024) – Reproductive Equity Now released the following statement today after the Massachusetts House of Representatives voted to advance the Massachusetts Parentage Act, legislation to update state statute to clarify who can be a parent and how to establish parentage. Currently, LGBTQ+ families or other families who use assisted reproduction must adopt their own children, leaving many children and families vulnerable. Reproductive Equity Now is proud to be a part of the Mass Parentage Act Coalition.

“We are thrilled that the House took action today to advance the Massachusetts Parentage Act and ensure all children across our state have equal access to the security of a legal parent-child relationship. We’re grateful to Speaker Ron Mariano, Chairmen Aaron Michlewitz and Mike Day, Leader Sarah Peake and Representative Hannah Kane, and members of the Mass Parentage Act Coalition for their leadership on this bill,” said Reproductive Equity Now President Rebecca Hart Holder. “Reproductive equity is not a reality in Massachusetts until every individual — and every LGBTQ+ family — is able to make decisions about whether and when to parent, and to parent with dignity. This bill will protect family formation in a post-Dobbs world, ensure that LGBTQ+ parents have the protections they need to start or build their families, and support children’s development and well-being over a lifetime. We look forward to the Senate taking up this legislation next!”

To learn more about the Massachusetts Parentage Act, visit glad.org/massparentage.

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