Ensures Access to Abortion Care is Allowed After 24 Weeks of Pregnancy
(BOSTON—7/31/2026) Today the Massachusetts Legislature voted to expand reproductive healthcare for Massachusetts residents by removing restrictions on abortion after 24 weeks of pregnancy.
According to Reproductive Equity Now, under current law, dozens of Massachusetts patients each year are forced to leave the state to access abortion care after 24 weeks, even in cases involving devastating diagnoses or risks to the patient’s life.
The decision to terminate a pregnancy is often in response to a medical emergency or a diagnosis incompatible with life. The legislation—H.5595, An Act prioritizing patient access to care—ensures that the decision to have an abortion later in pregnancy remains between a patient and their health care providers, without interference from politicians or government.
“Massachusetts residents deserve to have access to the care they need as determined through consultation with trusted, trained medical professionals, without interference from individuals wholly separate from the care of patients and the practice of medicine,” said Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing. “This change in language ensures that the intent of our law is clear — these sensitive and serious decisions should only be made between a patient and their provider. No one should have to leave Massachusetts to receive essential reproductive health care, and I am proud to vote in favor of this legislation that will strengthen our state’s commitment to reproductive freedom.”
This legislation builds off of previous work of the Legislature to prevent the federal government and other states from interfering with legally-protected health care in Massachusetts, commonly referred to as the Shield Act and Shield Act 2.0.
Having passed the Legislature, the bill has been sent to the Governor for her signature.
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