Massachusetts H1662: An Act relative to coerced abortion

What the bill says

From the introduced text, February 27, 2025:

SECTION 1. Chapter 112 of the General laws, as appearing in the 2016 Official Edition, is hereby amended by adding the following Section 12½S: SECTION 12½S. Section 1. (a) As used in this section, the following word shall have the following meaning unless the context clearly requires otherwise: “Abortion,” the knowing destruction of the life of an unborn child or the intentional expulsion or removal of an unborn child from the womb other than for the principal purpose of producing a live birth or removing a dead fetus. Section 2. (a) Any private office, freestanding ambulatory surgical center, hospital, clinic or other facility in which abortions are performed shall conspicuously post a sign in a location defined in subsection (c) so as to be clearly visible to patients, which reads as follows: Notice: It is against the law for anyone, regardless of his or her relationship to you to force you to have an abortion. By law, we cannot perform an abortion on you unless we have your freely given and voluntary consent. It is against the law to perform an abortion on you against your will. You have the right to contact any local or state law enforcement agency to receive protection from any actual or threatened physical abuse or violence. (b) The sign required by subsection (a) shall …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• David DeCoste (R, 5th Plymouth) · primary sponsor
• Colleen Garry (D)
• Joseph McKenna (R, 18th Worcester)
• Alan Silvia (D)

Latest actions

1. March 26, 2026: Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27)
2. November 18, 2025: Hearing rescheduled to 11/18/2025 from 01:00 PM-08:00 PM in A-1 and Virtual<br> <span style="color: blue; font-style: italic;">Hearing updated to New End Time</span>
3. November 7, 2025: Hearing scheduled for 11/18/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-1
4. February 27, 2025: Senate concurred
5. February 27, 2025: Referred to the committee on The Judiciary
6. : Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order

Common questions

What is H1662?

H1662 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): An Act relative to coerced abortion.

What is the status of H1662?

Failed as of March 26, 2026. Latest action: Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27) (March 26, 2026).

Who sponsored H1662?

David DeCoste (R, 5th Plymouth), with 3 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for H1662?

On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1662