Senate President Spilka Celebrates Stronger Abortion Protections Law

(BOSTON—8/10/2026) Senate President Karen E. Spilka today applauded the Senate’s leadership in passing legislation to strengthen abortion protections in Massachusetts, and thanked Governor Healey for signing it into law, ensuring patients experiencing serious pregnancy complications can receive medically appropriate care from providers they know and trust here in Massachusetts.

“No person should have to make the hardest decision of their life without the support and care of their own doctor," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland).

"With the Governor's signature today, we are making clear that if you need reproductive care in Massachusetts, you can get it close to your home, in the state with the best medical care in the world, with a health care provider you trust. I applaud Senator Kennedy for her unwavering advocacy for this legislation, my Senate colleagues for their support, the advocates who raised their voices, our colleagues in the House for their partnership, and the Governor for her signature today.”

The legislation 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.

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.

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