CatholicVote Urges Bishops to Excommunicate Healey Over Law Allowing Abortions Until Birth
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Aug 13
CatholicVote Urges Bishops to Excommunicate Healey Over Law Allowing Abortions Until Birth
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 13
Summary
CatholicVote asked Massachusetts bishops to determine whether Gov. Maura Healey incurred automatic excommunication after signing a law that removes statutory limits on late-term abortions.
Aug. 10 legislation takes effect Nov. 8 and replaces the state's prior 24-week restrictions with broader physician discretion, shielding doctors from legal repercussions.
Kelsey Reinhardt said canon law can impose latae sententiae excommunication on those who procure or assist abortions, arguing Healey's public signing made her an accomplice in expanding the practice.
Massachusetts' four Catholic bishops had already called the bill a "radical measure" on July 29, but CatholicVote says condemnation alone is insufficient and wants sacramental penalties considered.
Healey has defended the measure as protecting women's healthcare and positioning Massachusetts among states including Colorado, Maryland and Oregon with no gestational age limits.