H1661

To protect victims of rape and children conceived during the commission of said offense

Introduced·2/27/25
Introduced Text

Allows mothers to petition for termination of parental rights for fathers in cases of rape.

This bill amends Massachusetts law to allow a married woman to petition for the termination of her husband's parental rights if a child was conceived during an act of rape. The court must determine by clear and convincing evidence that the child was conceived as a result of an unlawful sexual battery. It presumes termination of parental rights is in the best interest of the child if conceived by rape. The mother of a child born from rape can also petition to terminate the perpetrator's parental rights.

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  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Current
In committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

0
2
RR
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Calendar

Jun 10, 2025

1:00 PM

Joint Committee on The Judiciary Hearing

History

Mar 26

House

Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27)

Oct 20, 2025

Joint

Hearing scheduled for 06/10/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2

Oct 20, 2025

House

Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order