Boston Bar Association approves reproductive rights report of task force co-chaired by Ingrid Martin
The Boston Bar Association has approved the recommendations in a reproductive rights report prepared by a task force under the leadership of Ingrid Martin who co-chaired the group.
The BBA report includes a Statement of Principles on Reproductive Rights developed by the task force in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization overturning Roe v. Wade.
Madison Bader, an associate at the firm, assisted the research and drafting of Principle 2 in the Statement. The Statement of Principles are:
Principle 1: Reproductive rights are essential human and civil rights. Every person should have the full ability to exercise their rights to reproductive autonomy and self-determination.
Principle 2: All people should have meaningful access to reproductive care regardless of race, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or disability. No person should be discriminated against or have their rights or human dignity diminished during or because of a pregnancy.
Principle 3: Massachusetts has enshrined the right to reproductive freedom in the Declaration of Rights and has further enshrined the right to seek and obtain an abortion in its General Laws and additional Executive Orders, and this body of law should be safeguarded.
Principle 4: Health care providers should be able to provide all patients with medically appropriate health care consistent with their training and abilities without undue interference by government.
The task force was comprised of experts in health law, privacy and cybersecurity, criminal law, and government. The report and Statement of Principles are intended to guide the BBA’s continuing advocacy and education on the evolving laws affecting reproductive rights and health care providers.
Mark Fleming of WilmerHale served as co-chair of the task force.
Ms. Martin, a partner at the firm, concentrates her practice on criminal defense and healthcare law. She serves on the governing Council of the BBA.