Massachusetts Expands Abortion Access With New Legislation

Democratic Governor Maura Healey received applause and smiles as she signed a significant legislation, removing gestational limits on abortion in Massachusetts. This action positioned the state as the tenth to allow abortion procedures up to birth in the United States.

The newly enacted Prioritizing Patient Access to Care Act empowers healthcare workers with discretion in deciding on abortions later in pregnancy. This decision is free from legal penalties under the state’s previous restrictions. Healey explained that the law aims to support families handling medical complications in late pregnancy, enabling them to opt for abortions within the state rather than traveling elsewhere. Such medical complications include maternal health issues and fatal diagnoses.

At the bill signing event, Healey committed to maintaining abortion accessibility in Massachusetts throughout her tenure as governor. She emphasized, “We believe that health care decisions should be made between women and families and their doctors, not politicians…abortion will remain safe, legal, and accessible here in Massachusetts.”

The bill will take effect in 90 days. Prior Massachusetts law generally prohibited abortions beyond 24 weeks, with limited exceptions. The state now joins Alaska, Colorado, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, and Vermont, along with the District of Columbia, in eliminating gestational age limits on abortion.

Healey asserts that this legislation represents standing in support of women’s health, contrasting her stance with opponents whom she claims do not advocate for women’s healthcare. She declared, “The bottom line for people in Massachusetts, if you care about women’s health, if you care about making sure that women are able to access the health care that they need in consultation with their doctors, should be clear. I stand with women. My opponents do not.”

Furthermore, Healey depicted the legislation as a protective measure against national efforts by President Donald Trump and Republicans to diminish abortion rights following the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade. She insisted, “It is up to the states to lead…no matter what Donald Trump or Republicans in Congress or the Supreme Court do, we’re going to continue to ensure that women and families have access to the health care that they need, right here in Massachusetts.”