Abortion in Massachusetts: What Changes With the New Law?

Governor Maura Healey signed a law that eliminates specific state restrictions for abortions after 24 weeks of pregnancy. The new regulation replaces a limited list of exceptions with a criterion based on the physician’s professional judgment.

The law will take effect 90 days after its signing. Until then, the previous rules continue to apply. The change makes Massachusetts one of the states with the greatest legal access to advanced abortion. It also intensifies the national debate on reproductive care.

What Did the Previous Law Allow?

Massachusetts allowed abortion during the first 24 weeks of pregnancy. After that period, specific conditions existed for authorization. The procedure could be performed if it was necessary to protect the patient’s life. Serious risks to her physical or mental health were also considered.

The previous law included pregnancies with lethal fetal anomalies. It also allowed action when the fetus likely would not survive outside the womb. The new measure eliminates that framework of four categories. Now, the procedure can be performed after 24 weeks according to the physician’s professional judgment.

The WBUR reported that law H.5595 allows abortion according to the physician’s professional judgment. The text does not establish a specific maximum week. However, the procedure remains subject to applicable medical, professional, and consent standards.

When Will the Law Begin to Apply?

The law was signed on August 10, 2026. It will take effect 90 days later, according to the governor’s office. During that period, hospitals and clinics must follow the previous framework. Institutions will also need to prepare protocols to apply the new regulation. The change affects patients facing complications after 24 weeks. It can also benefit those who receive serious fetal diagnoses that do not fit within the previous exceptions.

Supporters assert that some patients had to travel out of state. Healey said the new law seeks to keep medical care within Massachusetts. The House of Representatives approved the bill by 119 votes to 33. The Senate approved it by 15 votes to 4. The bill received support from the Democratic majority. All Republicans who voted in the House opposed it. The regulation also eliminates some