Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey signed the Prioritizing Patient Access to Care Act into law on July 22, removing all gestational limits on abortion in the state. The bill passed the House 119-33, with nine Democratic lawmakers joining Republicans in opposition.
The law allows physicians to perform abortions later in pregnancy based on professional medical judgment and grants broader protections from legal penalties. It also removes statutory restrictions on abortions past 24 weeks, aligning Massachusetts with nine other states and Washington, D.C.
Opposition within the Democratic Party
Nine Democratic state representatives, including Rep. Jeffrey Turco (Winthrop) and Rep. Chris Markey (Dartmouth), voted against the bill, citing ethical and legal concerns. Turco described the law as “extremist and dangerous,” arguing it allows abortion “any time, unrestricted, and in many cases, publicly funded until the moment of birth.” He also criticized the two-week legislative process, stating it lacked public input and was “out of step with the views of the average person in Massachusetts.”
Markey echoed these concerns, calling the bill a “slippery slope” that puts doctors in “difficult ethical dilemmas” and conflicts with long-standing criminal case law. While acknowledging support for abortion rights, he argued the law goes beyond accepted norms.
Medical and Policy Perspectives
The law’s passage follows debates over late-term abortions, which remain rare but contentious. Dr. Christina Francis, a board-certified OBGYN and CEO of the American Association of Pro-Life OBGYNs, criticized the legislation, stating that third-trimester abortions are medically unnecessary and pose risks to mothers. She argued that emergency C-sections are safer and faster than late-term abortion procedures, which can take multiple days and increase complications.
Francis also cited concerns about fetal pain, stating that scientific evidence suggests babies can feel pain as early as 12 weeks, and described certain abortion methods as “dismemberment procedures.”
Governor’s Rationale
Gov. Healey defended the law, stating it prevents women from having to travel out of state for late-term abortions, which she argued can complicate their care. She cited an example of a 33-week pregnancy where a mother had to travel to Maryland for an abortion after the fetus suffered a stroke.
The law’s supporters argue it aligns with reproductive rights and ensures access to care for women facing medical emergencies late in pregnancy. Opponents, including some within her own party, contend it goes too far and lacks sufficient safeguards.
Broader Context
Massachusetts joins a growing number of states allowing abortions throughout pregnancy, including Alaska, Colorado, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and the District of Columbia. The law takes effect immediately, with no further legislative review required.