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Massachusetts Governor Signs Law Banning Gestational Abortion Limits

8/12/2026

Center

Healey Signs Law

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signed H.5595, removing state gestational limits on abortion, on Monday, August 10, 2026.
The ACLU of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Medical Society praised the law for keeping patients from traveling out of state for later-term abortions.
The Massachusetts House approved the measure 121-35, clearing the way for the governor’s signature.
SBA Pro-Life America and the Massachusetts Family Institute condemned the law as permitting abortions to birth.

Right

Healey Removes Limits

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signed H.5595, the Prioritizing Patient Access to Care Act, on August 10, 2026, removing state gestational limits on abortion.
Four Catholic bishops issued a joint statement calling the removal of gestational limits a radical, gravely immoral measure.
Pro-life leaders denounced the law as barbaric and urged a federal ban on late-term abortions.
Massachusetts strengthened its Shield Law to block state cooperation with out-of-state abortion investigations.

History

Historical Context

In June 2019 Governor J.B. Pritzker signed Illinois’s Reproductive Health Act, repealing the 1975 abortion law and codifying the right to abortion up to viability. The law removed gestational limits and allowed advanced-practice clinicians to provide care. After the 2022 Dobbs decision, Illinois saw 30% of abortions performed for out-of-state patients and a 45% rise in procedures, turning the state into a regional refuge.

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Healey Signs Law

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signed H.5595, removing state gestational limits on abortion, on Monday, August 10, 2026.
The ACLU of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Medical Society praised the law for keeping patients from traveling out of state for later-term abortions.
The Massachusetts House approved the measure 121-35, clearing the way for the governor’s signature.
SBA Pro-Life America and the Massachusetts Family Institute condemned the law as permitting abortions to birth.

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