Catholic Group Challenges Massachusetts Governor Over New Abortion Law

A Catholic organization is urging Massachusetts bishops to take action against Democratic Governor Maura Healey following her approval of a new law. This law removes previous restrictions on abortions after 24 weeks, placing Massachusetts among ten states allowing abortions up to birth.

To use Catholic virtues to defend something so against the faith is unprecedented, CatholicVote president Kelsey Reinhardt stated to Fox News Digital. CatholicVote is requesting bishops to consider whether Healey, a Catholic, should face automatic excommunication under canon law.

In a letter to the bishops, Reinhardt argued that Healey should be seen as an accomplice in abortion according to Catholic canon law, warranting formal discipline. The law signed by Healey in mid-August will take effect November 8. It permits abortions based on a physician’s judgment, revisiting debates about Catholic leaders’ responses to politicians supporting abortion rights against Church teachings.

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey signs a bill strengthening abortion protections, Aug. 10, 2026, in Boston. Photo by Jessica Rinaldi/The Boston Globe via Getty Images.

Although Catholic politicians have faced criticism and calls for action, formal discipline from bishops varies. CatholicVote believes Healey’s actions should prompt Church leaders to address this issue. We’ve seen generations of Catholic politicians claim the same exception, Reinhardt noted, referring to those opposing abortion personally, while supporting rights politically.

A critical voice, Bishop Robert Barron of Winona-Rochester, condemned the Massachusetts law and its celebration. Please understand, this means a fully-formed child can be subjected to gruesome procedures, he declared in an online post. Utah Sen. Mike Lee echoed Barron’s concerns, pointing out the perceived celebration accompanying the signing.

This has sparked broader discussions on whether Catholic bishops should move beyond public protests to enforce disciplinary actions against Catholic politicians promoting abortion rights. It’s entirely up to the bishops, Reinhardt said, asserting that public positions contrary to faith can confuse churchgoers.

Both Reinhardt and Barron referenced historical examples, like former New York Governor Mario Cuomo’s 1984 speech at Notre Dame, permitting personal opposition to abortion without enforcing this belief legally. In 2022, Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone barred then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi from receiving Communion due to her pro-abortion stance.

Bishops have legislative tools to address public advocacy conflicting with the faith, Reinhardt added, indicating excommunication as a possibility.

Fox News Digital reached out to Healey’s office and Massachusetts Catholic bishops for comment. Ashley J. DiMella reports politics for Fox News Digital.