Massachusetts abortion law removes 24-week limit, sparking split among Democratic lawmakers

The Massachusetts House passed the Prioritizing Patient Access to Care Act on July 22 with a 119-33 vote, and Governor Maura Healey signed it into law this week, removing the statutory 24-week abortion cutoff. The legislation permits physicians to perform abortions later in pregnancy based on professional judgment and expands eligibility for public funding. While the bill cleared along party lines, nine House Democrats broke with their colleagues and voted with Republicans, labeling the measure extremist, barbaric, and a slippery-slope threat.

Representatives Jeffrey Turco, Chris Markey, Dennis Gallagher, and Alan Silvia each expressed concerns ranging from rushed passage and misalignment with constituent opinions to ethical dilemmas for doctors and inconsistency with long-standing case law. Gallagher emphasized that existing law already allowed late abortions for maternal health or severe fetal anomalies and urged focus on alternatives like adoption. Healey defended the change as a way to keep families from needing to travel out of state for late-term care. The debate highlights a rare intra-party split over abortion policy in a traditionally pro-choice state.