July 11th, 2024 - BOSTON - The Massachusetts House of Representatives has unanimously passed legislation to enhance privacy protections for data related to reproductive and gender-affirming health care services.
“At a time when women's reproductive freedom is being taken away across the nation, it is critical to protect women seeking care in Massachusetts,” said Rep. Fernandes. “No patient should ever face the threat of their reproductive or gender-affirming care decisions being tracked, broadcast, or sold on the open market. This bill ensures that such sensitive information remains secure and confidential.”
The bill, An Act providing protections for reproductive or gender-affirming care location information, prohibits the sale of cellphone data collected during visits to health care facilities in Massachusetts that offer reproductive and gender-affirming care.
Following the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade, there were reports of data brokers selling location information related to patients’ visits to Planned Parenthood facilities. Such practices could lead to targeted harassment of individuals and providers. This legislation is designed to prevent such infringements on individuals' rights.
The legislation now advances to the Senate for further consideration.
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