Massachusetts House Passes Bill Expanding Late-Term Abortion Access

The Massachusetts House of Representatives passed bill H.5595 on Wednesday in a 119-33 vote, removing restrictive exceptions for abortions performed after 24 weeks of pregnancy. Under current law, such procedures are limited to cases where the patient's life or health is in jeopardy or there is a lethal fetal diagnosis. The new legislation allows these procedures based on the professional judgment of a physician.

Supporters, including bill sponsors and major healthcare systems such as Mass General Brigham and Tufts Medicine, argue the change ensures patients do not have to leave the state for complex care. Proponents cited cases of sex trafficking victims who were unable to seek care before the 24-week mark as a primary motivator for the shift toward a uniform medical approach.

Opponents, led by Massachusetts Citizens for Life and House Republicans, characterize the measure as an "abortion-up-to-birth bill." Critics claim the legislation allows doctors to make subjective decisions regarding viable babies and will increase abortion industry profits.

The bill now moves to the state Senate for review and must be approved before the legislative session ends on July 31. Governor Maura Healey has not yet indicated if she will sign the bill into law.