Pro-Life Coalition Submits 100,000 Signatures to Challenge Massachusetts Abortion Law

The Compassionate Care Coalition, led by Massachusetts Citizens for Life and Massachusetts Family Action, submitted nearly 100,000 certified signatures to challenge a new Massachusetts abortion law. The tally exceeds the 49,716 required to suspend the law's implementation, currently scheduled for November 8, and place a repeal question on the November 2028 ballot.

Signed by Governor Maura Healey in August, the legislation expands physician discretion for abortions after 24 weeks by removing previous guardrails. Opponents, including the state's four Roman Catholic bishops, describe the law as extreme and "tantamount to infanticide." Supporters and state legislators defend the law as landmark legislation that removes undue burdens for patients facing severe health complications in the third trimester.

If the Secretary of State certifies the signatures, the law will be frozen. However, Governor Healey possesses the constitutional authority to issue an emergency preamble that would override the suspension and make the law take effect immediately. The Governor's office stated it is monitoring the process and evaluating its options.