BY TOM FLANAGAN, MMS MEDIA RELATIONS MANAGER
Hugh M. Taylor, MD, then MMS President, delivers the State of the Society address at the Annual Meeting
At its 2025 Annual Meeting, the Massachusetts Medical Society adopted several organizational policies aimed at strengthening public health, improving health care delivery, and responding to the rapidly evolving federal health care landscape.
After a spirited and collegial debate in a crowded ballroom at the Westin Hotel in Waltham to consider resolutions brought forth by physician and student members, the MMS House of Delegates voted to approve a variety of new policies. A summary of some
of the new policies follows:
Oppose Federal Medicaid Cuts
The MMS strongly opposes cuts to the federal funding formula for Medicaid that will result in reductions in payment levels or benefits or reductions in eligible populations. The MMS will continue to advocate to the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation
to strongly oppose cuts to federal Medicaid funding and encourage the American Medical Association (AMA) to strongly oppose cuts to federal Medicaid funding or to its funding formula.
Vaccines
The MMS recognizes the fundamental role of a research-supported immunization schedule in preventing infectious disease outbreaks and ensuring the health of individuals and communities. The MMS supports the continuation of the rigorous scientific process
that led to the development of a recommended immunization schedule for the nation and will lead to future developments and recognizes the substantial body of scientific evidence that has demonstrated no link between vaccines and autism. The MMS supports
the continued development, publication, dissemination, and funding to implement the recommended pre-K through post-secondary school-based immunization requirements and adult immunization recommendations.
Eliminating Barriers To Abortion Care
The MMS will advocate for legislation and policies that would allow the performance of abortions at any point when clinically indicated, based upon the professional standards of care and decided in collaboration with the pregnant person.
Support for A Nicotine-Free Generation
The MMS supports legislative efforts to establish a “Nicotine-Free Generation” in Massachusetts through the prohibition on the sale of addictive nicotine products to anyone born after a chosen date.
See a complete listing of newly adopted
MMS policies (with member login).
Medical student and resident/fellow delegates at the MMS HOD. Photo by David Fox Photography.
