Catholic Group Pressures Massachusetts Bishops to Act Against Governor Maura Healey

A Catholic organization is urging bishops in Massachusetts to take action against Democratic Governor Maura Healey after her recent endorsement of a law eliminating the state’s restrictions on abortions beyond 24 weeks. This move places Massachusetts among ten states allowing abortions up until birth.

CatholicVote, led by President and CEO Kelsey Reinhardt, is advocating for the bishops to assess whether Gov. Healey should face automatic excommunication under Catholic canon law due to her actions. In a letter sent to the bishops, Reinhardt emphasized that Healey, a Catholic, should be considered an ‘accomplice’ in facilitating abortions, recommending formal disciplinary measures be taken.

The new law, signed by Healey in mid-August and scheduled to take effect on November 8, permits abortions past previous state limits based on a physician’s professional judgment. This decision has rekindled longstanding debates over the response of Catholic leaders to Democratic politicians whose abortion rights support contradicts Church teachings.

Governor Maura Healey was celebrated by supporters after signing the legislation strengthening abortion protections at the Massachusetts State House on August 10, as captured by Jessica Rinaldi. Despite repeated condemnations and warnings directed at Catholic politicians in the past, leaders of CatholicVote assert that Healey’s latest action should prompt Church leaders to address such conflicts more decisively.

Reflecting concerns over politicians claiming personal opposition to abortion while publicly supporting it, Reinhardt underlined the inconsistency that has prevailed for too long, suggesting it can no longer be tolerated.

Bishop Robert Barron, overseeing the Diocese of Winona-Rochester in Minnesota, openly criticized the new Massachusetts law and the enthusiastic display at its signing. He starkly described the implications, where a fully-developed child moments before birth could be subjected to horrific procedures. Barron expressed disgust at the reaction of the female crowd surrounding Healey during the law’s enactment.

“Please understand what this means. A fully-formed child, moments before exiting the birth canal, can be eviscerated, chopped into pieces, have its head crushed or skin burned off,” Barron stated in a public post.

Utah Senator Mike Lee amplified Barron’s remarks, highlighting the crowd’s reaction and referring to it as welcoming what he termed infanticide.

Barron’s denunciation has reignited discussions on whether Catholic bishops should progress from public criticism to enforcing consequences for Catholic politicians who endorse abortion rights contrary to Church doctrine.

Kelsey Reinhardt and Bishop Barron referenced past incidents such as former New York Governor Mario Cuomo’s 1984 Notre Dame speech which advocated that Catholic politicians could personally oppose abortion without imposing such beliefs legally.

As an example, Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi faced refusal of Holy Communion in 2022 by Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone due to her stance on abortion rights.

Reinhardt noted that disciplinary actions including refusal of Sacrament remain within bishops’ authorities when politicians openly advocate positions contradicting faith.

Catholic leaders maintain discretion in handling these matters, but ongoing public advocacy against Church teachings fuels confusion among followers, said Reinhardt.

Fox News Digital reached out for comments from Governor Healey’s office and Massachusetts Catholic bishops. The article was reported by Ashley J. DiMella, specializing in political coverage for Fox News Digital.