1. What are the late-term abortion laws in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, abortion is legal without restriction as to reason up to 24 weeks of pregnancy. After 24 weeks, abortion can only be performed if the woman’s health is at risk or if the fetus has a fatal abnormality.

2. Is there a gestational limit on abortions in Massachusetts?

Yes, abortions are legal in Massachusetts up to 24 weeks of gestation unless there is a medical emergency or the health of the mother is at risk.

3. Is there a ban on late-term abortions in Massachusetts?

No. There is no ban on late-term abortions in Massachusetts. Late-term abortions are legal in Massachusetts up to 24 weeks of pregnancy, with approval from two doctors.

4. Who can authorize a late-term abortion procedure in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, late-term abortion procedures may only be performed with the authorization of two physicians. The physicians must certify that continuing the pregnancy will likely result in “grave impairment of bodily function” of the pregnant woman, or “substantial risk of grave impairment of the physical or mental health” of the woman.

5. How does Massachusetts define a “late-term abortion”?

In Massachusetts, a late-term abortion is defined as an abortion performed after 24 weeks of gestation, or when the fetus is considered “viable”. The procedure may only be performed if there is a threat to the life or health of the mother, or if the fetus is determined to be nonviable.

6. Are there any exceptions to late-term abortion bans in Massachusetts?

Yes, late-term abortion bans in Massachusetts can be overridden in cases when the mother’s life or health is at risk. Massachusetts also allows late-term abortions if there is a substantial risk that the fetus may have a severe abnormality or disability.

7. Are there any parental notification laws for minors seeking abortions in Massachusetts?

Yes, there are parental notification laws for minors seeking abortions in Massachusetts. Minors aged 17 and younger must notify one parent or guardian at least 48 hours before the procedure. However, minors may petition a court to waive the parental notification requirement.

8. What are the informed consent requirements for abortions in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, pregnant individuals are required to give informed consent prior to having an abortion. Informed consent requires the individual to receive information about the abortion procedure, the risks and benefits of the procedure, and the availability of alternatives and resources for support services. The individual must sign a form acknowledging that they have received and understood this information before proceeding with the abortion. Additionally, if the individual is under 18, they must receive permission from a parent or guardian before they can proceed with the abortion.

9. Does Massachusetts require waiting periods for abortions?

Yes, Massachusetts requires a 24-hour waiting period for abortions.

10. Are there any laws requiring ultrasounds before abortions in Massachusetts?

No, there are no laws requiring ultrasounds before abortions in Massachusetts.

11. Does Massachusetts have any bans on sex-selective abortions?

Yes, Massachusetts has a ban on sex-selective abortions. The state’s law prohibits any medical or health professional from performing a sex-selective abortion unless it is necessary to save the life or protect the health of the woman seeking the abortion, or if the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest.

12. Are there restrictions on public funding of abortions in Massachusetts?

Yes. In Massachusetts, public funding for abortions is only allowed in cases of emergency or when the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest.

13. Does Massachusetts have any laws regulating the sale of abortifacients (drugs that induce abortion)?

Yes, Massachusetts has laws regulating the sale of abortifacients. The law states that any person who sells, gives away, administers, or prescribes any abortifacient drug or device must possess a valid license from the Department of Public Health. Additionally, all abortifacients must be administered in a hospital or other licensed health care facility.

14. Does Massachusetts require counselling before an abortion procedure?

Yes, Massachusetts requires counseling before an abortion procedure. The counseling must be provided either in person or through an interactive video conference by a qualified professional. The counseling must include information about medical risks associated with the procedure, the availability of ultrasound imaging, and information about alternatives to abortion.

15. Are there any regulations on the disposal of fetal remains after an abortion procedure in Massachusetts?

The regulations on the disposal of fetal remains after an abortion procedure in Massachusetts are determined by the Department of Public Health. The regulations state that the fetal remains must be disposed of in a manner that is respectful and dignified, and must not be permitted to be used for scientific or medical research. The Department of Public Health may also require the abortion facility to provide written notification of the method of disposal of fetal remains, as well as other information regarding the disposal.

16. Does Massachusetts recognize any conscientious objection rights for health care providers who object to performing abortions?

Yes, Massachusetts recognizes the conscientious objection rights of health care providers who object to performing abortions. Physicians, nurses, and other health care providers may opt out of providing abortions due to religious or moral objections.

17. Does Massachusetts have any laws protecting healthcare providers from being discriminated against for participating in abortion procedures?

Yes. According to the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 112, § 12S, healthcare providers, including hospitals, health care facilities, clinics, and ambulatory surgical centers shall be prohibited from discriminating against any healthcare provider who chooses to participate in abortion procedures. The law also prohibits discrimination against healthcare providers who refuse to participate in abortion procedures.

18. Are there any laws concerning the transportation of minors across state lines to obtain abortions in Massachusetts?

Yes, there are laws concerning the transportation of minors across state lines to obtain abortions in Massachusetts. Specifically, Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 112 § 12S states that no one may transport a minor across state lines to obtain an abortion without the written consent of a parent or legal guardian. Additionally, any person who transports a minor across state borders in violation of this section may be liable for civil damages and/or criminal penalties.

19. Are there restrictions on the use of telemedicine for abortion services in Massachusetts?

Yes, restrictions on the use of telemedicine for abortion services in Massachusetts are in effect. Telemedicine abortion, also known as medical abortion, is only available to women who are within 12 weeks of pregnancy. The patient must also have had an initial in-person consultation with a health care provider prior to the administration of the medication necessary for a medical abortion. The health care provider is also required to be physically present in the same room with the patient during the process. After the initial consultation and during the medical abortion procedure, the patient must have access to a health care provider or clinic with appropriate medical facilities in case of any emergency. Additionally, all health care providers are required to adhere to the standards of care set forth by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

20. Does Massachusetts have any laws criminalizing the performance of self-induced abortions or assisting others with self-induced abortions?

No, Massachusetts does not have any laws criminalizing the performance of self-induced abortions or assisting others with self-induced abortions. In fact, Massachusetts has some of the most progressive laws in the country when it comes to abortion rights, including allowing abortion at any point during a pregnancy.