Massachusetts Senate passes amendment strengthening abortion rights

BOSTON (AP) — The Massachusetts Senate approved a measure aimed at strengthening abortion rights in the state as part of its budget debate Wednesday.

The measure would let women obtain an abortion after 24 weeks of pregnancy in cases of “fatal fetal anomalies.” Current state law allows abortions after 24 weeks only to preserve the life or health of the mother.

It would also lower the age, to 16, at which an abortion could be obtained without the permission of a parent. Under current law, those under 18 must have at least one parent’s consent or seek judicial consent to have an abortion.

The Senate approved the amendment on a 33-7 vote. The House approved a similar amendment during their budget debate.

📣 The Senate just voted to not only pass Amendment 180, but reject anti-abortion measures to weaken and limit it.

This victory is the results of years of hard work for activists, volunteers, and dedicated allies in the state legislature who have fought for the #ROEAct. pic.twitter.com/8APsT9Vz5A

— Planned Parenthood (@PPAdvocacyMA) November 18, 2020

Democratic Senate President Karen Spilka said the uncertainty surrounding the future of Roe v. Wade, the landmark Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion, prompted lawmakers to take action.

“I am proud the Massachusetts State Senate has taken this step to further codify a woman’s right to the health care she deserves, and the right to choose if and when to begin a family,” Spilka said in a statement after the vote. “A woman’s ability to control her reproductive future is fundamental to her freedom, her agency and her humanity.”

The @MA_Senate just adopted Amendment #180, sponsored by @Sen_Chandler #mapoli pic.twitter.com/2iu3JsJgBc

— Karen Spilka (@KarenSpilka) November 18, 2020

Today the Senate passed the #ROEAct and committed to protecting women’s reproductive healthcare, ensuring that their rights are protected, regardless of any action by the #SCOTUS. Thank you @KarenSpilka @Sen_Chandler & @CindyCreem for your steadfast leadership. https://t.co/fL6LenanPY

— Mayor Marty Walsh (@marty_walsh) November 18, 2020

Republicans have criticized Democratic leaders for pushing a major policy change in the budget during a pandemic. All four Republican senators and three Democratic senators voted against the measure.

Thank you to the 33 MA Senate Democrats who just voted for the #ROEAct Amendment!

The 7 NO votes were the 4 Republicans (Fattman, O’Connor, Tarr, Tran) and 3 Democrats (Rush, Timilty, Velis). #mapoli

— Progressive Mass (@ProgressiveMass) November 18, 2020

Republican Gov. Charlie Baker has previously said he opposes late-term abortions and supports current Massachusetts abortion laws.