The bill, passed at the end of July, removed prior restrictions placed on abortions after 24 weeks of gestation that blocked abortions except in life-threatening circumstances.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signed a bill on Monday that expands abortion up until the time of birth in the state. Healy was surrounded by Democrats and abortion advocates during the signing, who were seen applauding the action.
Healey said in a statement following the signing, “I've heard heartbreaking stories from women and families who were preparing to welcome a healthy baby into their family, only to receive devastating news later in their pregnancy. Instead of being able to rely on the doctors they knew and trusted at home, they were forced to travel hundreds of miles and pay out of their pockets while navigating unimaginable grief.”
She added, “That should never happen in Massachusetts. This law continues our efforts to have the strongest abortion protections in the country because in Massachusetts, we believe health care decisions should be made between women and their doctors.”
The bill, passed at the end of July, removed prior restrictions placed on abortions after 24 weeks of gestation that blocked abortions except in life-threatening circumstances for the mother or child. The state now allows for abortions through all weeks of pregnancy “based upon the professional judgment of the physician.”
Massachusetts Lt Gov Kim Driscoll said, “Families facing devastating pregnancy complications deserve compassion, support and the ability to receive care from the doctors they know and trust. This law ensures more patients can get medically appropriate care close to home while giving physicians the clarity they need to make the best decisions for their patients. It's another step forward in ensuring Massachusetts remains a place where patients can access the high-quality reproductive health care they deserve.”
A press release from Healey’s office said the law is intended to “ensure that patients facing devastating fetal diagnoses, serious pregnancy complications or other complex medical circumstances can receive timely care without unnecessary legal uncertainty.”
The press release added, “Patients affected by this are often experiencing deeply wanted pregnancies that have suddenly become medically complex. They are families who have prepared to welcome a child only to receive heartbreaking news that their pregnancy is no longer viable or that continuing the pregnancy would pose serious medical risks. Under prior law, some Massachusetts patients were forced to leave the state to receive care, separating them from their doctors, support systems and loved ones while navigating one of the most painful experiences imaginable.”
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