Massachusetts General Laws

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, § 21A (2026)

Furnishing drugs, articles or information for prevention of pregnancy or conception

✓ current as of July 2026

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Section 21A. An authorized health care provider may administer or prescribe to any person drugs or articles for the prevention of pregnancy or conception. A registered pharmacist may provide such drugs or articles to any person presenting a prescription from an authorized health care provider; provided however, that nothing in this sentence shall prevent a registered pharmacist from providing such drugs and articles that do not require a prescription; and provided further, that emergency contraception, as defined in section 19A of chapter 94C, shall be dispensed as provided in said section 19A of said chapter 94C.

A public health agency, a registered nurse or other health care provider or a maternity health clinic operated by or in an accredited hospital may provide information on the procurement of professional advice on the lawful obtainment of drugs or articles for the prevention of pregnancy or conception to any person.

This section shall not be construed to permit the sale or dispensing of prescription drugs or devices for the prevention of pregnancy or conception by a vending machine or similar device.

For the purposes of this section, ''authorized health care provider'' means a registered physician, physician's assistant, nurse practitioner, and certified nurse midwife.

Notes of Decisions

Cited in 1 case, 1969–1969 · leading case: Commonwealth v. Baird, 247 N.E.2d 574 (Mass. 1969).

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Commonwealth v. Baird, 247 N.E.2d 574 (Mass. 1969). · cites it 2× “29,689) for unlawfully exhibiting certain articles for the prevention of conception, both being not in accordance with G.L.c. 272, § 21A. The evidence shows that these acts occurred during, and incidental to, a lecture to students in an auditorium of an educational institution.”

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