Democrat Lawmakers Oppose ‘Barbaric’ Massachusetts Abortion Law
Nine Massachusetts Democratic lawmakers joined Republicans in opposing a new abortion law that removes gestational limits, calling it "barbaric" and "extremist" despite its passage.
The Prioritizing Patient Access to Care Act, which passed the state House of Representatives by a vote of 119-33 on July 22, was signed into law by Democratic Governor Maura Healey this week, according to Breitbart News. The legislation permits physicians to perform abortions at any point during pregnancy based on their professional medical judgment while providing enhanced legal protections.
Nine Democrats broke with their party to vote against the measure alongside the Republican caucus, citing what they described as ethical concerns and constituents’ opposition to such extreme policy.
Democrats Condemn Bill as “Barbaric” and “Extremist”
Democratic State Representative Jeffrey Turco of Winthrop did not mince words in his assessment of the new law, telling Breitbart News it represents an extremist and dangerous position that allows abortion at any time without restriction, often with public funding, until the moment of birth.
Turco further criticized the legislative process, noting the bill was rushed through in just two weeks without adequate public input and stands in stark contrast to the views of ordinary Massachusetts residents. The new law is barbaric, he stated.
State Representative Chris Markey of Dartmouth expressed deep disappointment with the passage of the legislation, warning it creates a troubling precedent and a slippery slope. He argued the law places physicians in an untenable ethical position and conflicts with established criminal case law, while also failing to reflect the beliefs of most constituents who, though often pro-choice, would see this as exceeding acceptable boundaries.
Existing Protections Were Already Sufficient, Critics Argue
State Representative Dennis Gallagher, representing the 8th Plymouth District, told the outlet that modifications to existing law were unnecessary. Massachusetts already permitted abortions after 24 weeks when necessary to preserve maternal health or in cases involving severe fetal abnormalities, he noted.
Gallagher emphasized the need for greater focus on alternatives such as adoption, particularly when both mother and child are healthy late in pregnancy. He maintained that such decisions should ultimately rest between a woman and her physician, but that alternatives deserve encouragement.
State Representative Alan Silvia, a pro-life Democrat from Bristol, offered perhaps the most forceful opposition among his Democratic colleagues. He highlighted what he sees as a disturbing inconsistency in societal values, noting that extraordinary efforts are made to protect vulnerable lives including marine mammals and stray animals, yet that same protective instinct vanishes when applied to unborn children.
Governor Defends Abortion Expansion
Governor Healey defended her decision to sign the bill into law, framing it as a necessary response to what she characterized as unprecedented attacks on abortion access nationwide following the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision overturning Roe v. Wade.
In a statement released earlier this week, Healey said the law ensures families will not be forced to travel hundreds of miles out of state for abortion services, and guarantees patients can continue receiving what she described as compassionate and medically appropriate care in Massachusetts during difficult moments.
The legislation’s passage underscores the deepening divide within the Democratic Party on abortion policy, with a small but vocal minority willing to oppose leadership on measures they view as too radical for their constituents.
With information from Breitbart News
