​Public Health and Reproductive Justice

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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.

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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.

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LEAD-SPONSORED LEGISLATION   

• S.441             An Act ensuring access to mental health supports in K-12 schools

• S.822             An Act expanding health insurance access for state employees

• S.904             An Act to strengthen health spending accountability processes within the health policy                                     commission and the center for health information and analysis

• S.951             An Act to support college students in recovery

• S.1617           An Act prohibiting the sale of dextromethorphan to minors

• S.1618           An Act promoting community immunity

• S.1367           An Act to prevent heat-related illness in public sector outdoor workers