Massachusetts § 42A - Removal or discipline for legal representation related to reproductive health care services or gender-affirming health care services

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 42A — Removal or discipline for legal representation related to reproductive health care services or gender-affirming health care services, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 42A. Removal or discipline for legal representation related to reproductive health care services or gender-affirming health care services

[ Text of section added by 2025, 16, Sec. 24 effective November 5, 2025.]

  Section 42A. Notwithstanding any general or special law or rule or regulation to the contrary, no attorney licensed in the commonwealth shall be removed or otherwise subject to discipline, including through the revocation, suspension or cancellation of the attorney's license or reprimand, censure or monetary fine, for advising or representing a client or prospective client on or in a matter related to the provision of reproductive health care services or gender-affirming health care services, as those terms are defined in section 11 I 1/2 of chapter 12, if the sole basis for such removal or discipline is that: (i) the client offered, provided or received reproductive health care services or gender-affirming health care services that are unlawful in another state; (ii) another state's laws create actual or potential liability for the reproductive health care services or gender-affirming health care services offered, provided or received by the client; or (iii) the attorney is subject to actual or potential liability, or removal or discipline, in another jurisdiction based on the reproductive health care services or gender-affirming health care services offered, provided or received by the client; provided, however, that the attorney's conduct shall otherwise comply with the laws of the commonwealth and meet the standards set forth in the rules of professional conduct promulgated by the supreme judicial court.

Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 42A

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 42A cover?

Section 42A ("Removal or discipline for legal representation related to reproductive health care services or gender-affirming health care services") 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 § 42A?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 42A" (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 § 42A 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.