Massachusetts Allows Abortion Through All Nine Months of Pregnancy

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signed legislation on Monday that removes the state's 24-week gestational limit on abortion.

The new law allows a physician to perform an abortion up until the point of birth based on professional judgment. The legislation passed through the Democrat-controlled state Senate and House. Healey stated the law ensures women, couples, and families have access to necessary care, particularly those experiencing late-term pregnancy complications. She also said healthcare decisions should be made between patients and their doctors.

Pro-life advocates have criticized the law, with Massachusetts Citizens for Life President Myrna Maloney Flynn calling it legalizing elective abortion up to birth on healthy mothers and healthy, pain-capable unborn children. The law makes Massachusetts' abortion access among the broadest in the United States, positioning it as the tenth state, along with Washington D.C., to allow the procedure at any point during pregnancy. Representative Christine Barber sponsored the legislation, advocating that abortion should be between a doctor and a patient.