Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-473-R1

Redraft EHS 473

Abortion Access Task Force and Recommendations

Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Keenan and Cyr, Ms. Creem and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4510-0100, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that the department of public health shall prepare written recommendations for the continuity of abortion and abortion-related care in the commonwealth in the event of a loss of federal funding for any health care facility in which abortion services are provided; provided further, that the commissioner of the department or their designee shall form a task force to inform the strategic plan content and creation; provided further, that the task force shall include: a physician who provides abortion care later in pregnancy; an abortion provider who serves rural communities; a nurse who provides abortion care; the chief executive officer of a hospital that provides abortion care later in pregnancy or their designee; the executive director of a licensed clinic that provides abortion care or their designee; the executive director of Reproductive Equity Now Foundation, Inc. or their designee; and any other individuals at the discretion of the commissioner; provided further, that the task force’s written recommendations shall include any recommended legislative changes to ensure continuity of abortion care and services in the commonwealth including, but not limited to, previously filed legislation; provided further, that the written recommendations shall be submitted to the joint committee on health care financing, the joint committee on public health, the joint committee on judiciary, the house and senate committees on ways and means and the clerks of the house of representatives and senate not later than December 31, 2025."