Political Victories
The support of our members across Massachusetts has been critical to all of our political victories:
 Passed the Buffer Zone Bill: In 2007, NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts worked in coalition with Planned Parenthood, NOW – Massachusetts Chapter, the Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus, and other groups to pass the Buffer Zone Bill (S.1353)! This new law is an important and common sense public safety measure that establishes a fixed, 35-foot buffer zone outside the entrances and driveways of reproductive health facilities. The Buffer Zone Bill was passed in the Senate by voice vote on October 23, and in the House by a roll call vote of 122 – 28 on November 1. On November 13, 2007, Governor Deval Patrick signed the bill into law. This new law went into effect immediately.
Passed the Emergency Contraception Bill: In 2003, with the Coalition for Choice, NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts authored the Emergency Contraception Bill. The Bill will enable pharmacists to dispense EC through a collaborative agreement with a doctor, and make EC available to rape survivors at hospital emergency rooms. The Senate passed this bill in 2004 but despite overwhelming support in the House, then Speaker Finneran declined to bring this measure up for a vote. The EC Bill was passed with veto-proof majorities by the House and Senate, but vetoed by Governor Romney. On September 15th 2005, the Senate and House voted to override Romney's veto. This bill went into effect 90 days after final passage. - Passed the Contraceptives Coverage Bill: In 2002, we succeeded in passing legislation requiring private health insurance plans in Massachusetts to cover the cost of FDA approved prescription contraceptives. We owe this victory to four years of hard work and intensive lobbying and education by our dedicated members!
- Passed the Buffer Zone Bill: In 2000, we passed this important bill to improve safety outside reproductive health clinics. NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts’ staff and members across the state joined forces with Planned Parenthood to make sure that legislators heard from their constituents and that the issue was covered in the media. Despite opposition from Speaker Finneran, we won!
- Passed the State Employees Health Insurance Bill: In 1996 we passed legislation that requires abortion coverage in the health insurance of state and municipal employees.
- Passed the Clinic Access Bill: In 1993 we passed legislation that outlawed clinic blockades.
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