Springfield, MA – If a bill moving quickly through the Massachusetts legislator gets signed into law, you can say goodbye to terms like mother, father, man, and woman from official birth records in the state.
In a significant legislative development, the Massachusetts House of Representatives has moved House Bill No. 4750, titled “An Act to Ensure Legal Parentage Equality.” This act, part of the One Hundred and Ninety-Third General Court session, aims to modernize and ensure equality in the state’s parentage laws.
The act makes significant amendments to Chapter 209C of the General Laws. One of the notable changes includes replacing the term “father” with “other parent” in multiple sections to promote gender-neutral language.
Specifically, in Section 5 of Chapter 209C, the word “father” is replaced with “other parent,” and the word “himself” is replaced with “themselves” to ensure inclusivity. Additionally, the term “mother if the mother” is updated to “person who gave birth if that person,” and “mother of the child” is revised to “person who gave birth”
The act repeals Section 4B of Chapter 46 of the General Laws and makes numerous amendments to Chapter 209C. Notably, it replaces references to “paternity” with “parentage,” reflecting a more inclusive approach to legal parentage. The bill ensures that every child, regardless of the marital status, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation of their parents, has the same rights and protections under the law. It also includes provisions for children born via assisted reproduction or surrogacy.
“SECTION 6. Said section 1 of said chapter 209C, as so appearing, is hereby further 26 amended by striking out, in lines 11 and 12, the words “a man and woman” and inserting in place 27 thereof the following word:- persons,” the bill reads.
One key change is the replacement of the term “child born out of wedlock” with “nonmarital child,” and the term “paternity” with “parentage” across various sections of the law. This shift underscores the state’s commitment to gender-neutral and inclusive language in its legal statutes.
The bill also introduces new definitions and clarifications regarding various forms of parentage, including acknowledged parents, adjudicated parents, and intended parents in cases of assisted reproduction and surrogacy. It establishes clear procedures and protections for all parties involved in surrogacy agreements and assisted reproduction, ensuring that the rights and responsibilities of intended parents, surrogates, and children are clearly defined and legally protected.
This act, which will take effect on January 1, 2025, represents a comprehensive effort to update Massachusetts’ parentage laws to reflect the diverse family structures present in contemporary society. It emphasizes the state’s dedication to ensuring that all children and families receive equal protection and recognition under the law.
