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HD 5457

A communication from the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (see Section 43 of Chapter 127 of the Acts of 2022) submitting the Department of Public Health Abortion Desert and Maternity Care Desert report

194th Legislature (2025-2026)

Transmits a DPH report on abortion and maternity care deserts in Massachusetts, maps access gaps, notes equity issues, and urges expanded access, training, and awareness.

Placed on file
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 5457

Summary of Bill HD 5457

Basic Information

  • Bill Number: HD 5457
  • Title / Subject: Communication from the Executive Office of Health and Human Services submitting the Department of Public Health’s Abortion Desert and Maternity Care Desert report (as required by Chapter 127, Act 2022, Sec. 43).
  • Status: Placed on file
  • Introduced: December 24, 2025
  • Classification: Proposed bill

Purpose and Intent

HD 5457 transmits and emphasizes a Department of Public Health (DPH) report titled “Abortion Desert and Maternity Care Desert Report.” The transmission fulfills a statutory requirement established in Chapter 127 of the Acts of 2022 (Section 43) to identify geographic areas in Massachusetts where pregnant people do not have access to abortion or birth care within a specified distance and to provide recommendations to improve access. The bill serves to inform the Legislature and public about access gaps and equity considerations in reproductive and maternal health care.

Key Provisions and Content of the Report (as Included in the Bill)

  • Geographic Access Analysis:
    • Identifies areas of the Commonwealth lacking access to abortion services and/or birth care within 50 miles, with additional analysis at a 25-mile radius.
    • Distances are measured as straight-line (point-to-point) distances, not driving times.
  • Subtypes of Care:
    • Examines access to subcategories of abortion and maternity care that may not be available at all facilities.
  • Racial and Ethnic Equity Analysis:
    • Disaggregates access data by race/ethnicity to highlight inequities, noting that American Indian/Alaskan Native populations face particular barriers.
  • Major Findings (Highlights):
    • Massachusetts generally has strong abortion access, but certain regions (e.g., Cape Cod and the Islands; parts of North Central and Western Massachusetts) show access limitations for specific service subtypes.
  • Limitations Acknowledged:
    • Distance is only one dimension of access; the report notes barriers related to disabilities, public transportation, insurance, appointment availability, cultural/linguistic competency, doula availability, and other social determinants of health.
  • Recommendations:
    • Increase and maintain access points for abortion and maternity care.
    • Raise awareness about anti-abortion centers and improve data access.
    • Improve reimbursement and provider training across birth and abortion care.
    • Expand culturally competent care, especially on Cape Cod and the Islands.
    • Support maternal health initiatives to expand midwifery and birth center care.
  • Context and Background:
    • Report drafted in response to Chapter 127 (Act Expanding Protections for Reproductive and Gender Affirming Care).
    • Includes a note on the 2024 FDA/Clinics litigation context regarding mifepristone, with the report reflecting current access as of 2024.

Who Is Affected

  • Geographic Populations: Pregnant people and birthing individuals across Massachusetts, with attention to racial/ethnic groups (notably American Indian/Alaskan Native populations) and residents in coastal regions (Cape Cod, Islands) and rural inland areas.
  • State Agencies: Department of Public Health (lead author) and partners (e.g., Reproductive Equity Now, Inc., consulted in development).
  • Legislative Committees: Senate and House committees on Ways and Means; Joint Committee on Public Health receive the transmitted report.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Legal Mandate: Section 43 of Chapter 127 of the Acts of 2022 required DPH, in consultation with Reproductive Equity Now, Inc., to issue a report identifying access deserts and offering recommendations. The mandate specified delivery to the Senate and House committees and public posting on DPH’s website.
  • Timeline in the Report:
    • Original deadline: Not later than April 1, 2023.
    • The transmitted document is dated November 17, 2025 (covering the statutory reporting obligation and current access analysis).
  • Current Status in Legislature: As of the bill’s introduction, the legislation is a formal transmission of the DPH report and is categorized as “Placed on file,” indicating no immediate legislative action required beyond recording and dissemination.

Bottom Line

HD 5457 is a housekeeping bill that communicates the Department of Public Health’s comprehensive assessment of abortion and maternity care access deserts in Massachusetts, including geographic and equity-focused findings and practical policy recommendations to expand access and improve care delivery. The bill does not itself enact new powers or funding but forwards an important public health report to the Legislature and makes the findings accessible for informed policymaking.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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