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HD 5650

An Act to repeal archaic laws criminalizing pregnancy

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jay Livingstone and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts bill repeals outdated criminal laws targeting pregnancy-related conduct, removing barriers to medical care and legal exposure for pregnant individuals.

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Bill Summary · HD 5650

Legislative bill overview

HD 5650 repeals Massachusetts state laws that criminalize pregnancy-related conduct, specifically removing statutes that classify certain pregnancy outcomes or pregnancy-associated behaviors as criminal offenses. The bill targets outdated legal provisions that have become obsolete with modern medical understanding and legal standards.

Why is this important

These archaic statutes can create legal jeopardy for pregnant individuals and may discourage them from seeking necessary medical care. Removing them clarifies that pregnancy and its outcomes are medical matters, not criminal ones, and eliminates potential prosecutorial tools that could be misused against vulnerable populations.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition clarity: Critics may argue the bill needs more specificity about which exact statutes are being repealed and what conduct remains legally permissible versus prohibited
  • Regulatory gap: Questions about whether removing criminal statutes adequately addresses medical licensing and practice standards for healthcare providers involved in pregnancy care
  • Unintended consequences: Concerns that broad repeal language could inadvertently affect laws addressing medical malpractice, unsafe abortion practices, or harm to viable pregnancies

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

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