Massachusetts Expands Abortions After 24 Weeks, Drawing Condemnation From Catholic Leaders
Updated
Updated · Boston Herald · Aug 13
Massachusetts Expands Abortions After 24 Weeks, Drawing Condemnation From Catholic Leaders
3 articles · Updated · Boston Herald · Aug 13
Summary
Gov. Maura Healey this week signed a Massachusetts bill letting physicians perform abortions after 24 weeks based on their professional judgment, replacing a narrower standard tied to specific life-threatening situations.
The change removes the prior four-part framework for later-pregnancy abortions, and Healey said it would let patients facing traumatic circumstances receive needed care in-state.
Archbishop Richard Henning and other Massachusetts bishops called the law a radical expansion allowing abortions up to birth, while Massachusetts Citizens for Life and the American College of Pediatricians urged protections for viable fetuses.
Major health systems including Mass General Brigham, Beth Israel Lahey Health and UMass Memorial had backed the bill, saying the old statute did not adequately meet all patients' needs.
Later-pregnancy procedures remain rare: Massachusetts recorded 99 abortions at 24 weeks or later in 2024, up from 84 in 2023, and the law takes effect in the coming months.