The Massachusetts Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 1:00 PM in Room B-1 at the State House and virtually.
H.217 “An Act Relative to Ensuring Resources and Support for Pregnant and Parenting Families” will be heard at this meeting. This is the MCFL’s pregnancy resource center protection bill, and was filed by Representatives David F. DeCoste of Norwell and Jeffrey Rosario Turco of Winthrop, with Representatives Joseph D. McKenna and Colleen M. Garry as co-sponsors.
This important legislation ensures that state agencies provide accurate and unbiased information about pregnancy and parenting resources, including non-profit pregnancy centers, churches, shelters, and community organizations that offer practical help to expectant mothers and families.
H.217 protects the right of women and families to learn about every form of support available, such as prenatal education, baby supplies, housing help, counseling, childcare assistance, and more. It also prevents state agencies from discouraging or discrediting these trusted community providers.
MCFL strongly supports this bill and extends our sincere thanks to the legislators for their leadership and commitment to protecting pregnancy resource centers and supporting women, children, and families across Massachusetts. We encourage you to testify in support of pregnancy resource centers, those who are pregnant, and our families, and to help advance this important bill.
How to make your voice heard
- Testify in person or virtually
To testify virtually, you must register by Friday, October 17 at 1:00 PM.
Register to testify virtually here.
In-person testimony will also be accepted at the hearing, time permitting. Pre-registration is encouraged.
Each speaker will have 3 minutes or 6 minutes for a panel of up to three people.
If you cannot attend, written testimony is a powerful way to support this bill. Our Legislative Action Center provide an easy way for you to send your testimony.
You can also send your written statement to:
House bill: Audrey Herrman at [email protected]
Written testimony will be accepted until the Committee takes action on the bill.
Hearing details
- Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2025
- Time: 1:00 PM
- Location: Room B-1, Massachusetts State House and Virtual
- Committee: Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities
This hearing is a key opportunity to stand for life, protect pregnancy resource centers, and ensure that every mother in Massachusetts knows help is available. Together we can move this bill forward and strengthen real support for families.