Massachusetts moves to expand late‑term abortion access

Massachusetts late‑term abortion physician judgment Prioritizing Patients' Access to Care Act Maura Healey

The Massachusetts House passed the Prioritizing Patients' Access to Care Act on a fast‑track vote of 119‑33, and the Senate has adopted the measure and sent it to Governor Maura Healey for signature. If signed, the bill would allow abortions after 24 weeks of pregnancy based solely on a physician’s professional judgment, removing the current list of specific exceptions such as threats to the woman's life, health, or lethal fetal anomalies.

Supporters say the change will reduce barriers for women who need medically necessary care, while opponents warn it could permit abortions until birth, even in healthy pregnancies. The legislation mirrors a 2023 Maine law that also relies on physician judgment and reflects a broader push by Democratic‑led states to broaden abortion protections after the 2022 Dobbs decision.

Governor Healey, who has signed other abortion‑rights measures, is expected to sign the bill, which would make Massachusetts one of the nation’s least restrictive states for late‑term abortions.

Entities

Governor Maura Healey · Massachusetts · Prioritizing Patients' Access to Care Act · Rep. Christine Barber · Rep. Lindsay N. Sabadosa

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[○ 1 SOURCE] The legislation mirrors Maine’s 2023 law that also permits late‑term abortions based on physician judgment. www.foxnews.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The bill would make Massachusetts one of the least restrictive states for late‑term abortions in the nation. townhall.com · www.foxnews.com
[● 3 SOURCES] If signed, the bill would allow abortions after 24 weeks based on a physician’s professional judgment, removing current statutory exceptions. townhall.com · www.foxnews.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Opponents argue the bill could allow abortions until birth, including on healthy fetuses.
[○ 1 SOURCE] The bill is part of a broader trend of Democratic‑led states expanding abortion access after the 2022 Dobbs decision. www.foxnews.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The Massachusetts Senate adopted the measure and sent it to Governor Maura Healey for signature. townhall.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The Massachusetts House passed the Prioritizing Patients' Access to Care Act on a vote of 119‑33. townhall.com · www.foxnews.com
[DISPUTED] Governor Maura Healey has signed other abortion‑rights laws and is expected to sign this bill.