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Bill

H 1713

An Act to protect victims of rape and children conceived during the commission of said offense

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Colleen Garry

Massachusetts bill establishing legal protections for rape victims and children born from sexual assault, currently in judiciary committee review.

Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27)
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Bill Summary · H 1713

Legislative bill overview

H 1713 proposes legal protections for rape victims and children conceived through sexual assault in Massachusetts. The bill addresses the rights and circumstances of individuals born from rape, though specific provisions are not detailed in the available action history.

Why this is important

This legislation addresses a sensitive intersection of reproductive autonomy, parental rights, and victim protection. The outcome could affect inheritance rights, custody determinations, victim support services, and how the legal system handles cases involving conception through sexual violence.

Potential points of contention

  • Parental rights vs. victim autonomy: Balancing whether rape perpetrators retain parental rights, custody claims, or inheritance claims against victims' interests in safety and healing
  • Children's legal status and identity: Determining what information children have about their origins and how the law recognizes their circumstances without stigmatization
  • Scope of "protection": Disagreement over whether protections should include financial support, legal name changes, sealed records, or other remedies, and their fiscal impact

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

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