Massachusetts Catholic Bishops Rebuke Governor Over Abortion Law Defense

The Roman Catholic bishops of Massachusetts have issued a formal rebuke of Governor Maura Healey following her recent defense of a new state law that permits abortion through all nine months of pregnancy. In a November 6 Substack article, Governor Healey cited her Catholic faith as a foundation for her commitment to compassion and service, arguing that her role as governor requires her to ensure families can make medical decisions based on their own values and professional medical guidance.

Archbishop Richard Henning of Boston, joined by the bishops of Worcester, Fall River, and Springfield, rejected the governor’s characterization of the law and her use of faith to justify it. The bishops stated they "passionately disagree" with the governor’s position, asserting that the new law, which removes previous restrictions on abortions after 24 weeks of gestation, was not necessitated by any emergency. The bishops further emphasized the sanctity of unborn life, referencing recent teachings from Pope Leo XIV regarding the inherent value of human beings regardless of their physical condition.