Public Health and Reproductive Justice
Our economy, healthcare infrastructure, education system, and community vitality depends on public health. I have been a vocal advocate in the Senate to protect you, your loved ones, and our communities from deadly and preventable diseases – including COVID-19 – throughout my tenure in the Legislature.
This session, I re-filed the Community Immunity Act, a bill to create standardized and centralized immunizations requirements and exemption processes for child care centers, K-12 schools, summer camps, and colleges and universities throughout the Commonwealth. I have also been a leader in progressive policy to reduce disparities in maternal health in Massachusetts, as much work is needed to close race and income-based disparities in maternal health care. I'm extremely proud of my success last session in expanding access to midwifery care and creating a professional licensure process.
A critical component of public health is abortion care, and any person seeking an abortion should be able to make that decision with the support of a trusted medical provider, without interference from lawmakers or fear of legal repercussions. I am deeply proud to use my experience as a scholar in reproductive justice and the law to protect and advance reproductive freedom and the right to choose here in Massachusetts.
In December 2024, Senator Rausch convened an expert panel to discuss the past, present and future of abortion access and reproductive freedom in Massachusetts and as a country.
Click here to watch that conversation.
LEAD-SPONSORED LEGISLATION
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SD.1944 An Act prohibiting the sale of dextromethorphan to minors
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SD.2117 An Act promoting community immunity
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SD.2119 An Act expanding health insurance access for state employees
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SD.2120 An Act to prevent heat-related illness in public sector outdoor workers
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SD.2121 An Act ensuring access to mental health supports in K-12 schools
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SD.2127 An Act to strengthen health spending accountability processes within the health policy commission and the center for health information and analysis
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SD.2172 An Act to support college students in recovery
