Despite agreeing with key elements of the bill, Gov. Charlie Baker vetoed legislation Thursday that would codify the right to an abortion in state law and make.
Gov. Baker vetoes abortion bill known as ROE Act Share Updated: 3:33 PM EST Dec 24, 2020 By Matt Murphy, State House News Service The Massachusetts State House in Boston
TRACKING THE COVID-19 VACCINE Share Updated: 3:33 PM EST Dec 24, 2020 By Matt Murphy, State House News Service Despite agreeing with key elements of the bill, Gov. Charlie Baker vetoed legislation Thursday that would codify the right to an abortion in state law and make the procedure in Massachusetts more accessible by expanding access for women after 24 weeks of pregnancy.The bill known as the ROE Act would also lower the age of consent for an abortion to 16, which the Republican governor said he cannot support. The Christmas Eve action by the governor kicks the issue back to the Legislature, where Baker said he hopes Democrats will reconsider his compromise proposal. After rejecting his proposed amendments this week, leadership in both the House and Senate are m
Gov. Charlie Baker vetos bill to expand abortion access in Massachusetts
Updated Dec 24, 2020;
Gov. Charlie Baker returned a bill to expand access to reproductive health services back to the Massachusetts Legislature unsigned Thursday.
The House bill, “An Act providing for access to reproductive health services,” would codify into Massachusetts law a patient’s right to an abortion within 24 weeks of pregnancy. It would also allow a doctor to perform an abortion past 24 weeks when it is deemed necessary to protect the mother’s life or in cases of lethal fetal anomalies. The bill would also remove the current mandate in requiring parental or judicial consent for teens 16 or 17 years old, lowering the age from 18.