What the End of Roe Means for Massachusetts – Part 3

27 Jul, 2022

 

The overturning of Roe v. Wade has stunned the nation and the world. Many are rejoicing that we are now in a post-Roe world, one step closer to a day when abortion becomes unthinkable and unnecessary. Others are outraged and are harassing, threatening, and attacking pregnancy centers across the country.  

Since our previous blog was published last week, our Revere center was targeted again, this time by the radical pro-abortion group, Jane’s Revenge. They spray-painted our center with their symbol and slogan: “If abortion’s not safe, neither are you.” Fierce opposition is on the rise.  

Roe v. Wade being overturned has not banned abortion everywhere; it has simply returned the decision back to each individual state’s elected leaders. Some states had “trigger laws” to limit or put an end to abortion altogether in the event Roe was overturned; however, Massachusetts was not among those states. In fact, in 2020, Massachusetts passed the R.O.E. (Remove Obstacles and Expand Abortion Access) Act, ensuring that women and girls as young as sixteen years old would have nearly unlimited access to abortion. 

R.O.E. Act Passes in Massachusetts December 2020  

With this passing, the changes in Massachusetts abortion laws and regulations included: 

• Individuals as young as 16 years old were able to request an abortion without their parents’ consent (lowering the age from 18 years old)
• Allowed abortions after 24 weeks of pregnancy if a fatal fetal anomaly was diagnosed, in order “to preserve the life of the patient … [and/or] to preserve the patient’s physical or mental health” (mass.gov)
• Allowed abortions to occur even on the due date of a baby’s birth, for reasons ranging from the patient’s or baby’s health, to being emotionally or mentally stressed. 

On May 3rd, 2022, Governor Baker released a statement: “If SCOTUS overturns Roe, it would be a massive setback for women in states without responsible laws protecting abortion access and reproductive health services. I am proud to support every woman’s right to choose and I am proud that MA has and will always protect every woman’s right to choose what is best for them.”

How the Overturning of Roe v. Wade Affects MA

Shortly after Roe v. Wade was overturned, Governor Baker issued an executive order to protect women coming to Massachusetts to obtain abortions. And according to Massachusetts Congresswoman, Ayanna Pressley, “Massachusetts will be a safe haven” for those seeking an abortion. 

In addition, another Massachusetts abortion protection bill is being studied and debated and will most likely be passed into law. This bill will protect those seeking abortions, as well as abortionists, abortion providers, and anyone involved in helping a woman obtain an abortion in Massachusetts from prosecution or fines. 

Currently, it appears that abortion will remain legal and accessible for women in Massachusetts and New England as a whole, regardless of the fact that Roe v. Wade was overturned.

Pregnancy Centers Respond

As you learned in our previous blog, fierce opposition from people in leadership, such as Senator Warren and Attorney General Healey, has skyrocketed since Roe v. Wade was overturned. However, pregnancy centers are not staying silent.

In response to the recent backlash and opposition, pregnancy centers across New England are sending letters to Sen. Warren and Attorney General Healey, inviting them to visit their centers and meet their teams. To read the full letter, click here.

Our Mission 

Though it may seem that the overturning of Roe v. Wade will have no effect whatsoever on abortion laws within Massachusetts, make no mistake that the end of Roe has already and will continue to slow down the lie that abortion is a fundamental right. For some, it will undoubtedly invoke thoughtful consideration over why Roe was overturned in the first place and why the Supreme Court has ruled that there is no constitutional right to abortion. 

Going forward, our work continues. The increased opposition will not discourage or deter us; we are confident that the work we are doing truly helps women and offers them the support and encouragement others neglect to give them.

We hope this three-part series has been very informative for you. Please continue to keep Your Options Medical’s staff and volunteers in your prayers, as well as the countless moms, dads, and babies within Massachusetts.  

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you so much for your support.