Massachusetts removes all gestational limits on abortion

Governor Maura Healey has signed a law in Massachusetts that removes all gestational limits on abortion, making it the 11th U.S. state to allow the procedure without specific week-based restrictions. Under the new legislation, the decision to perform a late-term abortion is left to the “judgment of the physician” performing the procedure.

The law has drawn sharp criticism from religious leaders. Archbishop Paul Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, described the decision as “shocking” and “horrendous,” calling it an affront to the dignity of life. Additionally, the advocacy group CatholicVote has called for the excommunication of Governor Healey, labeling her an “accomplice” to the procurement of abortions due to her legislative cooperation.

While the law allows for abortions up to birth, data from the CDC indicates that the vast majority of abortions in the United States occur early in pregnancy, with 92.8% occurring by the 13th week. Only 1.1% of abortions take place from the 21st week onward.