Mass. Abortion Law Signed by Healey Faces 2028 Repeal Drive

A controversial abortion law signed by Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey in August is already being targeted by those hoping to suspend and repeal it.

Healey signed the Prioritizing Patients' Access to Care Act into law on August 10, 2026, igniting a firestorm of reaction from pro-life forces and Catholic groups from far and wide. Even some in her own party said the law, which lifts all restrictions on abortions, is extreme.

Healey defended the bill when I spoke to her during a visit to New Bedford's Feast of the Blessed Sacrament days before she signed it into law.

New Massachusetts Abortion Law Could Be Suspended And Repealed — Getty Images

State House News Service reported that "Activists angered over a new law that removes barriers to abortions later in pregnancy have filed paperwork seeking to suspend and ultimately repeal the measure in the 2028 election cycle."

The Battle Lines: Formulating the 2028 Repeal Effort

Massachusetts Citizens for Life and Massachusetts Family Action have formed The Compassionate Care Coalition to lead the drive to repeal the law, described by some as "barbaric." The Coalition said it is not attempting to repeal abortion in Massachusetts, only the recently enacted law.

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Signature Deadlines and the Road to the Ballot

"Coalition supporters must submit 37,289 signatures to local election officials by October 23 to get them certified and make the ballot for 2028," according to SHNS. The certified signatures must arrive at Secretary of State William Galvin's office by November 6, 2026.

To suspend the law as the referendum process proceeds, "supporters must secure 49,719 signatures."

Attorney General Andrea Campbell, whose track record with ballot questions is shaky, "must now write a summary of the abortion access law, which would be printed on referendum petitions," SHNS reported.

National Backlash and Pressure on Governor Healey

Healey faces calls for her excommunication from the Catholic church from groups such as CatholicVote and Canada's LifeSite after signing the abortion law. The Eternal World Television Network (EWTN), a global Catholic news network, also criticized her.