Bill Sponsors
Lauria, Lawson, Euer, Valverde, Kallman, Mack, DiMario, Murray, Pearson, and Bissaillon
Committee
Senate Health & Human Services
Summary
Select
This legislation changes the labeling requirements for prescription medications used to induce abortions, such as mifepristone and misoprostol. Currently, prescription labels typically require the name of the specific individual dispensing the medication. This bill allows the label to list the name of the healthcare practice instead of the individual dispenser's name. This change applies specifically to drugs prescribed for the termination of a pregnancy.
Sponsor
Analysis
Pros for Progressives
- Enhances the safety and privacy of healthcare workers providing reproductive care by protecting their identities from potential harassment, doxxing, or violence.
- Ensures continued access to essential reproductive healthcare by reducing the fear and intimidation that might otherwise drive professionals out of the field.
- Strengthens the social safety net by prioritizing the well-being of the healthcare workforce, acknowledging the specific risks associated with providing abortion care in the current political climate.
Cons for Progressives
- Could theoretically reduce immediate accountability or transparency for patients if a specific dispensing error occurs, as the individual's name is not immediately visible on the packaging.
- Represents a minor administrative adjustment rather than a systemic reform to expand abortion access or coverage for low-income individuals.
- May cause confusion for patients who wish to consult with the specific individual who dispensed their medication regarding side effects or instructions.
Pros for Conservatives
- Protects the privacy of private citizens working in the healthcare industry, aligning with principles of individual liberty and protection from public intrusion.
- Grants private healthcare businesses greater flexibility and autonomy in how they manage their internal operations and labeling procedures.
- Shifts liability and focus toward the business entity (the practice) rather than the individual employee, consistent with corporate responsibility models.
Cons for Conservatives
- Reduces transparency and personal accountability by allowing individuals dispensing controversial drugs to hide their identity from patients.
- Facilitates the distribution of abortion-inducing drugs by shielding providers from social consequences or community oversight.
- Undermines the traditional personal relationship between medical professionals and patients by replacing a human name with a corporate or practice name.
Constitutional Concerns
None Likely
Impact Overview
Groups Affected
- Pharmacists
- Doctors
- Women seeking abortions
- Healthcare practices
- Pharmacy technicians
Towns Affected
All
Cost to Taxpayers
None
Revenue Generated
None
BillBuddy Impact Ratings
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Environmental Impact
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Bill Status
Current Status
Held
Comm Passed
Floor Passed
Law
History
• 01/09/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
Bill Text
SECTION 1. Chapter 5-37.8 of the General Laws entitled "Protections for Healthcare Providers Act" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:
5-37.8-4. Prescriptive protections for providers of legal protected healthcare activity.
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision in this chapter to the contrary, the prescription label for medication abortion prescription drugs may include the name of the dispensing healthcare practice instead of the name of the dispenser.
(b) For purposes of this section, “medication abortion prescription drugs” means substances used in the course of medical treatment intended to induce the termination of a pregnancy including, but not limited to, mifepristone and misoprostol.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
5-37.8-4. Prescriptive protections for providers of legal protected healthcare activity.
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision in this chapter to the contrary, the prescription label for medication abortion prescription drugs may include the name of the dispensing healthcare practice instead of the name of the dispenser.
(b) For purposes of this section, “medication abortion prescription drugs” means substances used in the course of medical treatment intended to induce the termination of a pregnancy including, but not limited to, mifepristone and misoprostol.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.