Massachusetts Legalizes Late-Term Abortion: Impacts and Details

Democratic Governor Maura Healey received applause as she signed legislation allowing abortions up to the point of birth in Massachusetts. This makes Massachusetts the tenth state to remove gestational limits on abortion.

The Prioritizing Patient Access to Care Act grants health care workers more discretion in performing abortions late in pregnancy. Previous restrictions no longer apply, enabling decisions based on medical complications such as maternal health issues and fatal diagnoses.

Gov. Healey emphasized that this law supports families facing difficult medical situations late in pregnancy. She pledged to keep abortion safe, legal, and accessible during her tenure.

“Healthcare decisions should be between women, families, and doctors,” Healey stated. “Abortion remains safe, legal, and accessible in Massachusetts. That’s my commitment.”

The legislation will be effective in 90 days. Before this, abortions after 24 weeks had limited exceptions under state law.

Massachusetts joins Alaska, Colorado, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, and the District of Columbia, all of which removed gestational age limits on abortion.

Governor Healey criticized opponents of the legislation, identifying them as not supportive of women’s health. She framed the new law as a protective measure against potential national rollbacks on abortion rights following the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade.

“It is up to the states to lead,” Healey said. “I promise, regardless of actions by Donald Trump or Republicans, women and families will have health care access in Massachusetts.”