ANNAPOLIS, MD — Maryland lawmakers have introduced a bill aimed at expanding legal protections for reproductive health care, fertility preservation, and contraceptive services, shielding providers and patients from out-of-state legal actions.
Key Points
- Maryland Senate Bill 1 expands protections for IVF, fertility preservation, and contraception.
- The bill prevents state agencies from aiding out-of-state legal actions against reproductive health care providers.
- If passed, the law would take effect on October 1, 2025.
Senate Bill 1, also called the IVF and Contraception Shield Act of 2025, was introduced by Senators Jeff Waldstreicher, Shelly Hettleman, and Clarence Lam. The legislation broadens the definition of “legally protected health care” under Maryland law to include services related to in-vitro fertilization (IVF), fertility preservation, and contraceptives, ensuring that health care providers cannot be disciplined or penalized for offering these services if they comply with Maryland law.
“A judge may not order a person within the State to give testimony or a statement … in a case where prosecution is pending … for a violation of a criminal law of another state involving the provision of, receipt of, or assistance with legally protected health care in the State,” the bill states. This provision aims to prevent Maryland residents and medical professionals from being compelled to cooperate with legal proceedings in states where reproductive health services are restricted or banned.
The bill also prohibits Maryland agencies from using state resources to assist in out-of-state investigations or prosecutions related to reproductive care. Additionally, it ensures that health care providers cannot have their licenses revoked or face professional discipline for offering legally protected services, even if they are penalized in another state.
If enacted, the bill would take effect on October 1, 2025, further cementing Maryland’s stance as a state that protects access to reproductive and fertility-related health care.