Massachusetts Removes Gestational Age Limits for Abortion

Massachusetts has become the tenth state, along with Washington, D.C., to eliminate gestational age limits for abortion. Governor Maura Healey signed the bill on August 7, 2026, which allows for elective abortion at any stage of pregnancy based on the medical judgment of the physician. This new law repeals a previous restriction that limited abortions after 24 weeks, except in cases where the mother's or child's life was at risk. Healey emphasized the importance of healthcare decisions being made between patients and their doctors, rather than by politicians. The law was passed by the Democratic-majority legislature before their summer recess. Massachusetts joins states such as Alaska, Colorado, and New Jersey in this legislative change. According to the Guttmacher Institute, the majority of abortions in the U.S. occur in the first trimester, with about 8% taking place in the second trimester or later. Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the anti-abortion group Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, criticized the law, stating it reflects a failure of the state-by-state approach to abortion regulation following the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022.