Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey Faces Calls for Excommunication Over New Abortion Law

With just weeks before election day, the last thing a sitting governor needs is a rapidly expanding political crisis, but that is exactly what Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey is facing.

National Catholic Leaders Condemn New Legislation

The chorus of Catholics demanding that Healey, herself a Catholic, be excommunicated for signing what has been described as a "barbaric" abortion bill that lifts all restrictions on abortions in Massachusetts is growing by the hour, and it's not just in the Bay State.

The Eternal World Television Network (EWTN), a global Catholic media news network, reported, "The head of the U.S. bishops is criticizing the state of Massachusetts for what he said was its 'shocking' decision to remove any limits on abortion there."

Massachusetts Gov. Healey Faces Rapidly Expanding Political Crisis Over Abortion Law

"Oklahoma City Archbishop Paul Coakley, the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, called the decision 'shocking' and 'horrendous,' and a 'shocking blow to the pro-life movement and everyone who's concerned about the dignity and sanctity of human life," according to EWTN.

Kelsey Reinhardt, head of CatholicVote, posted to X, "Public expansion and celebration of genocide by a Catholic requires a response." Reinhardt's post seeks "clarification on the excommunication of @MassGovernor."

Petition and Excommunication Demands Grow

Canada's LifeSite, founded in 1997 by the Campaign Life Coalition, reported that, "+18,000 sign LifeSite petition calling for excommunication of pro-abortion governor."

LifeSite said its petition asks Boston Archbishop Richard Henning to "take action" against Healey, who signed the Prioritizing Patient Access to Care Act on August 10, 2026.

In a statement on X, Henning said of the new abortion law, "The passage and signing of a bill radically expanding abortion in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a grave offense against the sanctity and dignity of every person."

Massachusetts Gov. Healey Faces Rapidly Expanding Political Crisis Over Abortion Law

Political Fallout Across Massachusetts

In a July statement, Archbishop Henning, Worcester Bishop Robert McManus, Fall River Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, and Springfield Bishop William D. Byrne urged the state Senate not to advance the abortion bill.

Several Massachusetts Democrats, including State Representative Chris Markey of Dartmouth, told Fox News Digital, "This law, I believe, is not consistent with the beliefs of the vast majority of my constituents."

"You can still be pro-choice and see this law as going beyond the norms of acceptability," Markey said.

Massachusetts Gov. Healey Faces Rapidly Expanding Political Crisis Over Abortion Law

Healey addressed the bill in a conversation with WBSM at the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament in New Bedford.

"I'm glad that by signing this bill, couples won't have to travel outside of state and spend thousands of dollars to get the healthcare that they and their doctors think they need," she said.

READ MORE: Healey Prepares to Sign Massive Abortion Access Expansion

Healey's Republican challengers are split on the issue of abortion. Mike Minogue is pro-life while Brian Shortsleeve is pro-choice. Shortsleeve campaign spokesman Pat Nestor said in an August 10 statement, "This legislation is largely consistent with protections already established under current Massachusetts law, and as governor, Brian would sign it."

National political commentator Bill O'Reilly called the new law "barbaric" and said he "would love to see" Healey jailed for signing it.

READ MORE: Bill O'Reilly Wants Healey in Federal Prison Over Abortion Bill