Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signed an emergency preamble on Friday, directing the Secretary of State’s office to block any attempts to suspend a newly enacted law that removes certain restrictions on abortions later in pregnancy. The preamble, filed with Secretary of State William Galvin, ensures the law will take effect on Sunday, Nov. 9, and remain in force for the next two years.

Governor’s rationale

Healey said the delay in implementing the law would “prolong uncertainty for patients, families, physicians and health‑care institutions, and risk further harm to the health and safety of women in Massachusetts.” She framed the action as a response to a public‑health emergency.

Opposition and petition drive

Opponents of the law, organized by the Compassionate Care Coalition—a coalition that includes Massachusetts Citizens for Life and Massachusetts Family Action—submitted 113,477 signatures to the Galvin office on Friday. The number exceeds the 37,289 signatures required to place a repeal question on the 2028 ballot and also surpasses the 49,719 signatures needed to seek a suspension of the law before it takes effect.

Sam Miele, chair of the coalition, argued that the new statute “allows babies who pose no threat to the life of the mother to be killed at will in the womb at nine months,” and called on the governor to explain the emergency designation.

Medical community response

Dr. Rebecca Brendel, president of the Massachusetts Medical Society, praised the governor’s decision, stating that the society remains committed to protecting clinical autonomy and equitable reproductive health care. She emphasized that physicians should make individualized treatment recommendations based on scientific evidence and patient circumstances.

Background of the law

The legislation, known as the Prioritizing Patient Access to Care Act, was signed into law in August. It removes four criteria that previously allowed abortions after 24 weeks only in life‑threatening situations for the patient or the fetus, instead deferring to providers’ medical judgment. According to Kathleen Melendy of Reproductive Equity Now, at least nine patients have been denied compassionate abortion care while awaiting the law’s implementation.

The emergency preamble prevents any suspension attempts for two years, effectively locking in the law’s provisions while the repeal petition process moves forward.

Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.