Democratic Governor Maura Healey received enthusiastic applause as she enacted new legislation removing Massachusetts’ gestational limits on abortion. This move makes Massachusetts the tenth state to allow abortion procedures up to birth.
The law is known as the Prioritizing Patient Access to Care Act. It provides healthcare professionals with more discretion in performing abortions later in pregnancy without the risk of legal consequences previously present under state restrictions.
Governor Healey emphasized the law’s intent to support families facing serious medical issues late in pregnancy, allowing them to seek abortions within Massachusetts. These issues may involve maternal health concerns and fatal fetal diagnoses.
During the signing, Healey committed to maintaining access to safe and legal abortions in Massachusetts throughout her tenure as governor.
“We believe that healthcare decisions should be made between women, families, and their doctors, not politicians,” Healey asserted. “Abortion will remain safe. It will remain legal, and it will remain accessible here in Massachusetts. That’s my commitment to you.”
The new law is set to be effective in 90 days. Previously, the state generally prohibited abortions after 24 weeks except in specific cases. Massachusetts now joins states like Alaska, Colorado, Maryland, and others in removing these limits, along with the District of Columbia.
Governor Healey views the law as a stand for women’s health and emphasizes that those opposing the legislation do not support this cause.
“The bottom line for people in Massachusetts, if you care about women’s health, if you care about ensuring women can access the healthcare they need with their doctors, should be clear,” she voiced. “I stand with women. My opponents do not.”
Governor Healey also positions the law as a safeguard against national efforts, particularly by President Donald Trump and the Republican Party, to reduce abortion rights following the Supreme Court’s decision against Roe v. Wade.
“It is up to the states to lead,” she declared. “As governor, I promise that regardless of actions by Donald Trump, Congress Republicans, or the Supreme Court, we will continue to ensure women and families have access to the healthcare they need right here in Massachusetts.”
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