These companion bills strip out critical legal safeguards that currently restrict late-term abortions to rare, medically necessary cases, such as when the mother’s life or health is at risk or the fetus has a fatal diagnosis. Instead, they would permit abortion at any stage of pregnancy based solely on the undefined “professional judgment” of a physician.

By removing clear, long-standing criteria, S.1563 and H.2370 would allow late-term abortions with no meaningful limitations, accountability, or oversight. The changes disregard ethical boundaries, blur medical standards, and effectively make elective third-trimester abortion legally permissible in Massachusetts.

We need your voice to help stop these bills. The legislature is actively considering this legislation, and written testimony opposing S.1563 and H.2370 is urgently needed.

Your message doesn’t need to be long; just a few sentences can make a difference. You may wish to express concern about removing the 24-week limit, the vague reliance on “professional judgment,” or the broader implications of making late-term abortion more accessible. For your convenience, we’ve provided a sample testimony you can use or adapt.

Testimony is usually accepted for several days or weeks following a hearing, but it’s best to submit yours as soon as possible.

Note: If your state senator or representative serves on the Joint Committee on Public Health, your message will go directly to them. Otherwise, it will be forwarded to the Committee for consideration.