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Legislation modernizes the definition of parentage under state law
On June 12, 2024, the Massachusetts House of Representatives unanimously passed H.4750, An Act to ensure legal parentage equality, which is also known as the Massachusetts Parentage Act. This legislation modernizes the definition of parentage under Massachusetts statutes to reflect modern-day families, including children born in LGBTQ+ families, and through methods such as assisted reproduction and surrogacy. H.4750 now goes to the Senate for its consideration.
Within the legislation, the Massachusetts Parentage Act ensures that children born through assisted reproduction technology have a clear pathway to parentage, establishes guidelines for establishing parentage through surrogacy, as well as ensures equality for LGBTQ+ families by giving them the same right to parentage as other families. Although Massachusetts was the first state to legalize same-sex marriage – 20 years ago – LGBTQ+ residents have long faced barriers in obtaining legal parentage over their children. This landmark legislation ensures that all Massachusetts residents have the same path to parentage over their children, regardless of marital status or the circumstances of their birth.
“As Chair of the Foster Care Caucus and the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Commission, I see frequently on a first-hand basis the challenges residents experience in attempting to build their families. The Massachusetts Parentage Act takes important strides in modernizing state law to reflect a common pathway to parentage for all Massachusetts residents, particularly for LGBTQ+ families,” said State Representative Paul Donato (D-Medford). “I want to thank my colleagues for prioritizing this vital legislation in ensuring that all Massachusetts residents have the same rights and opportunities to build their families.”
“The Parentage Act passed today is a critical piece of legislation that will positively impact many families in Massachusetts, especially LGBTQ+ families,” said State Representative Steve Ultrino (D-Malden). “Our Commonwealth has always been a great place to raise a family and this bill will ensure that all families will have equal rights and opportunities in our state. I am proud to support this bill alongside my colleagues, and I am thankful to House leaders for their efforts in updating our parentage laws to ensure all families can enjoy these essential rights.”
“I was proud to vote in support of this bipartisan bill to protect and honor the diversity of families and parents in the Commonwealth,” said State Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian (D-Melrose). “As the nation’s leader in recognizing marriage equality 20 years ago, Massachusetts will continue to serve as a model for the country and the world in advancing human rights for all residents, including those in the LGBTQ+ community, with the passage of the Parentage Act.”
