Massachusetts has removed its previous 24-week gestational limit on abortion, giving healthcare providers greater discretion over procedures later in pregnancy. The new Massachusetts abortion law, signed by Democratic Governor Maura Healey, is scheduled to take effect 90 days after its signing.
Under the legislation, healthcare professionals will have greater discretion when determining whether to perform an abortion later in pregnancy without facing legal penalties under the state’s previous restrictions. Until now, Massachusetts generally prohibited abortions after 24 weeks, with limited exceptions.
Healey Says Law Protects Access in Medical Emergencies
Healey said the change is intended to ensure that families facing serious medical complications late in pregnancy can receive abortion care in Massachusetts rather than having to travel to another state. The situations cited include complications affecting the mother’s health and fatal diagnoses involving the pregnancy.
At the signing ceremony, Healey said decisions about healthcare should be made by women, families and their doctors rather than politicians. She pledged that abortion would remain safe, legal and accessible in Massachusetts while she serves as governor.
The Massachusetts abortion law places the state among jurisdictions that no longer impose a specific gestational-age limit on abortion. According to the reports, Massachusetts becomes the 10th US state to take this approach.
Massachusetts Joins Nine Other States
The reports list Alaska, Colorado, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon and Vermont as the other states that have removed gestational-age restrictions on abortion. The District of Columbia is also included among US jurisdictions without such a limit.
The change represents a significant departure from Massachusetts’ previous framework, under which abortions after 24 weeks were generally prohibited except in limited circumstances. Once the new law takes effect, healthcare providers will have broader authority to make decisions involving abortions later in pregnancy.
