Inside the Fight to Repeal Massachusetts’ Gestational Ban
2/3 of Massachusetts voters support expanding access to abortion later in pregnancy, according to recent polling. Massachusetts still has on the books a 24-week abortion ban, with additional exceptions later added. Jeanette Kincaid, Associate Director of Care Coordination at DuPont Clinic and Kate Dineen, abortion later in pregnancy patient and advocate and Board Member of Reproductive Equity Now, sit down to talk with us about Massachusetts’ abortion access status and the reality of exceptions.
When Kate, located at the time in Massachusetts, had a personal experience needing access to an abortion later in pregnancy, she was told travel would be necessary to obtain care. Kate then traveled to the Washington, D.C. area to receive the care she needed. Currently in the Massachusetts, Kate and other advocates are working to pass the Prioritizing Patient Access to Care Act, which would expand access to abortion care after 24 weeks of pregnancy based on the best professional judgement of a licensed physician. Getting rid of the state’s gestational ban would increase access to care and equity not only for Massachusetts, but for the Northeast region.
Links from this episode
Reproductive Equity Now
Reproductive Equity Now Foundation Finds Support For Expanding Abortion Access Throughout Pregnancy Among Bay Staters
Who Not When- A people-centered resource for understanding abortions later in pregnancy
2025-26 Massachusetts Legislative Agenda
The Looming Storm: New Administration is Primed to Make Human Rights Crisis Worse
Abortion Rights Fund of Western Massachusetts
Eastern Massachusetts Abortion Fund
Tides for Reproductive Freedom
Take Action
Transcript
Jennie: Welcome to rePROs Fight Back, a podcast on all things related to sexual and reproductive health, rights, and justice. [music intro]
Read More
Contact your state representative. Tell them that this is an issue that is important to you. Not sure if your state has a gestational ban? Find out using rePROs Fight Back’s annual report card here.
Be vocal in your support of second and third-trimester abortion care and repealing gestational bans. In being vocal, break the stigma. Challenge your own internal stigma, and you can start by visiting WhoNotWhen.com
Volunteer or give to your national or local abortion funds or practical support organizations. In Massachusetts specifically, some funds to support include Abortion Rights Fund of Western Massachusetts, Eastern Massachusetts Abortion Fund, and Tides for Reproductive Freedom.