On Tuesday, August 11, 2026, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signed into law the Prioritizing Patient Access to Care Act, eliminating gestational limits on abortion in the state. This legislation makes Massachusetts the 10th state to allow abortions up to birth.

Under the new law, healthcare workers have increased discretion to perform abortions later in pregnancy without facing legal penalties that were previously in place. The law aims to assist families facing medical complications late in pregnancy, such as maternal health issues or fatal fetal diagnoses, allowing them to access abortion services within Massachusetts rather than traveling out of state.

Healey emphasized that "health care decisions should be made between women and families and their doctors, not politicians." She pledged to keep abortion safe, legal, and accessible in Massachusetts for as long as she remains governor, stating, "Abortion will remain safe. It will remain legal, and it will remain accessible here in Massachusetts. That's my commitment to you."

Previously, Massachusetts law generally prohibited abortions after 24 weeks, with limited exceptions. Healey also asserted that opponents of the legislation do not support women's health, declaring, "I stand with women. My opponents do not."

The signing was met with applause and smiles, marking a significant expansion of abortion access in the deep-blue state.

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