More than four years after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the divide over abortion access continues to widen from state to state, with Massachusetts becoming the latest to expand access later in pregnancy.
Democratic Gov. Maura Healey on Monday signed legislation removing the state's previous restrictions on abortions after 24 weeks, allowing physicians to make decisions based on a patient's individual medical circumstances.
Healey said the change will ensure future patients are able to "get the care that they need."
Supporters say the law protects patients and doctors confronting rare and often complicated medical situations later in pregnancy. Democratic state Rep. Christine Barber said the legislation "empowers physicians to make those decisions with their patients and no one else."
With the change, Massachusetts joins Alaska, Colorado, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon and Vermont, along with Washington, D.C., in not imposing a specific ge...
Suggested Credits
Tags, Events, and Projects