Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, the first out lesbian to hold the office, has signed Shield Act 2.0, a law she describes as “the strongest law in America that will protect reproductive health care, gender-affirming care, and those who provide it.” The legislation strengthens existing protections by preventing the disclosure of sensitive data—including the practising doctor’s name—mandating provision of abortion in emergencies, and prohibiting cooperation with federal or out-of-state investigations into legally protected care. During the bill-signing ceremony on 7 August, Healey highlighted the commonwealth’s longstanding reputation for high-quality family and healthcare support, remarking: “In Massachusetts, you have the freedom, you have a choice, you have the free will to make healthcare decisions for yourself and your family.” Supporters in attendance included representatives from organisations such as Fenway Health, the ACLU of Massachusetts, and Reproductive Equity Now. #Mau...