Massachusetts § 12Q - Collection of data
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 12Q — Collection of data, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 12Q. Collection of data
Section 12Q. The commissioner of public health shall collect aggregate data on abortions performed by a physician, physician assistant, certified nurse practitioner or certified nurse midwife on a form promulgated by the commissioner that shall include, but not be limited to, the: (i) date and place of the abortions performed; (ii) ages of the pregnant patients; (iii) method used to perform the abortions; and (iv) gestational age when the abortions were performed. The commissioner shall prepare from these forms such statistical tables with respect to maternal health, abortion procedures and gestational age as the commissioner deems useful and shall make an annual report thereof to the general court. Nothing in this section shall limit the authority of the department of public health to require reports pursuant to sections 24A and 25A of chapter 111.
[ Second paragraph added by 2025, 16, Sec. 13 effective November 5, 2025. For text of section effective until November 5, 2025, see above.]
The commissioner of public health shall not collect, maintain, use, disclose or disseminate disaggregated surveillance data or individually identifiable surveillance data on abortions performed in the commonwealth. The name, home address, personal email address, home telephone number and mobile telephone number of individuals engaged in the provision, facilitation or promotion of reproductive health care services, as defined in section 11 I 1/2 of chapter 12, shall not be considered a public record under chapter 66.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 12Q
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 12Q cover?
Section 12Q ("Collection of data") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Massachusetts § 12Q?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 12Q" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
How does Massachusetts § 12Q apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.