Democratic Governor Maura Healey received applause as she signed legislation allowing abortion up to birth in Massachusetts. This makes the state the 10th in the U.S. to permit such access.
The Prioritizing Patient Access to Care Act gives health care providers more discretion when deciding to perform abortions later in pregnancy without risking legal consequences under previous state restrictions. The law aims to support families dealing with medical complications late in pregnancy, such as maternal health issues and fatal diagnoses. Healey highlighted this aspect, ensuring that abortions remain accessible without requiring families to travel out of state.
During the signing event, Healey assured that abortion services in Massachusetts would stay safe, legal, and accessible as long as she is governor. She emphasized that health care decisions should involve patients and their doctors rather than politicians.
The new law will take effect in 90 days. Before this change, state law mostly prohibited abortions after 24 weeks, with specific exceptions. Massachusetts joins states such as Alaska, Colorado, and Maryland, among others, in lifting gestational age restrictions for abortions, along with the District of Columbia.
Healey describes the law as a stand for women’s rights, arguing that those opposed to the legislation do not prioritize women’s health. She expressed commitment to maintaining accessible health care regardless of national political pressures, framing the legislation as a protective measure against efforts to restrict abortion rights following the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade.