The Massachusetts State Senate recently approved legislation that would revise the state’s framework for late-pregnancy abortions. Currently, Massachusetts permits abortion through 24 weeks of pregnancy, with later procedures allowed only under specific circumstances including threats to the woman’s life or health, lethal fetal anomalies, or determination that the fetus would not survive outside the womb.
The new measure would eliminate the enumerated list of conditions and instead authorize late-pregnancy abortions based solely on a physician’s professional judgment. Lawmakers supporting the change argue that existing restrictions have led hospitals to deny abortion services to women who meet current legal standards. State Rep. Christine Barber cited cases such as pregnancies involving fetuses that suffered strokes and had minimal likelihood of survival, where hospitals declined to provide the requested procedure.
Opponents contend the revision would effectively permit abortion throughout pregnancy, including for healthy fetuses, and raise patient safety concerns. Myrna Maloney Flynn, president of Massachusetts Citizens for Life, has characterized the change as prioritizing access over women’s safety and has urged residents to contact lawmakers in opposition.
The bill now awaits consideration by Democratic Gov. Maura Healey, who has previously signed legislation supporting abortion rights. If enacted, the measure would represent the latest development in the nation’s shifting abortion landscape following a Supreme Court decision four years ago that eliminated federal constitutional protection for abortion and permitted states to enforce their own policies. The change comes as 13 states currently enforce bans on abortion at all pregnancy stages, while several Democratic-led states have strengthened protections for abortion access and providers, including shield laws for telehealth services.
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