The women's bar association
The WBA of Massachusetts applauds the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Senate for overriding Governor Baker's veto
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Nicole Forbes, President
Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts
nforbes@globalization-partners.com
Margaret E. Talmers, Executive Director
Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts
(617) 973-6666 | mtalmers@womensbar.org
BOSTON, MA - December 29, 2020 - The Women’s Bar Assocation (WBA) of Massachusetts applauds the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Senate for overriding Governor Baker's veto of the FY21 budget language that addresses long standing barriers to abortion care and ensure equitable access. The WBA is pleased to see our elected officials taking a stand in support of expanding and equalizing access to reproductive health care, particularly access for young women, low-income women, women of color, and women who need late term abortions. Access to appropriate reproductive health care is a human right that should not be limited for women who need it most or impeded by medically unnecessary and politically motivated barriers. With the override of Governor Baker’s veto by both the House and Senate, the expansion of reproductive rights and equitable access to abortion care has now become law in Massachusetts.
The WBA, through its Legislative Policy Committee (LPC), was an active member of the ROE Coalition alongside partners including NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts, Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts, and the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts. The WBA had also prepared testimony and letters of support, engaged in legislative meetings and also activated its members at key points in the legislative process.
“Massachusetts has always had a history of leading when it comes to women’s equality. That legacy should extend to access to reproductive health care. With the confirmations of ideologues like Justices Kavanaugh and Coney Barrett to the United States Supreme Court, the Court can now further dismantle women's ability to access reproductive health care, including legal abortion,” stated WBA President Nicole Forbes. “Limiting women's ability to access comprehensive reproductive health care would substantially harm the lives of millions of women and it is critical that we protect this right in Massachusetts.” The WBA is pleased that the House, under the leadership of outgoing Speaker Robert DeLeo, and the Senate, under the leadership of Senate President Karen Spilka, overrode Governor Baker's veto. The WBA also thanks the bill’s original sponsors including Representatives Patricia Haddad and Jay Livingstone and Senator Harriette Chandler.
About the Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts
Founded in 1978 by a group of activist women lawyers, the Women’s Bar Association boasts a large membership of women lawyers, judges, policy makers, and law students across Massachusetts. The WBA is committed to the full and equal participation of women in the legal profession and in a just society. The WBA works to achieve this mission through committees and events and by developing and promoting a legislative agenda to address society’s most critical social and legal issues. Other WBA activities include networking and professional development, drafting amicus briefs, studying employment issues affecting women, encouraging women to enter the judiciary, recognizing the achievement of women in the law, and providing pro bono services to women in need through its sister organization, the Women’s Bar Foundation. For more information, visit www.womensbar.org.
WOMEN’S BAR ASSOCIATION OF MASSACHUSETTS | 105 CHAUNCY STREET | BOSTON, MA 02111 | 617.973.6666