Massachusetts expands abortion law to allow procedures after 24 weeks
Governor Maura Healey signed a bill that removes the 24-week limit on abortions, permitting them up to birth in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey enacted a law that eliminates the former 24-week abortion cutoff, authorizing abortions at any stage of pregnancy if a physician deems it appropriate. The bill’s language relies on the physician’s professional judgment rather than a fixed gestational limit. In a 14-paragraph statement, Democratic officials such as Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll and Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa highlighted “access” without mentioning the new timeline.
Polling cited by the article indicates strong public resistance to third-trimester abortions, with only a small minority supporting abortions up to birth. The piece argues that the lack of detail is a strategic choice by Democrats to avoid backlash. Pro-life strategists see the law as an opportunity to challenge the state's stance and push for broader national restrictions.
Why it matters
The law changes abortion limits in a key state, influencing both local access and the national political debate.
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