MA LEG Patient Access to Abortion Care

Published on: Aug 17, 2026

On Aug. 10, MA LEG enacted bill concerning abortions after 24 weeks.

  • MA LEG enacted H 5595 on prioritizing patient access to care relative to pregnancies existing for 24 weeks or more.
  • Amends MA LEG I-112-12N, MA LEG I-112-12N.5, and MA LEG I-112-12P.
  • Bill Provisions
  • Amends provisions governing abortions after 24 weeks of pregnancy by striking out language restricting late-stage abortions to certain emergency situations.
  • Strikes language requiring late-stage abortions to be performed in a hospital, and imposing reporting requirements for facilities performing those procedures.
  • Sets out a new standard for abortions after 24 weeks, allowing the procedure to be performed based solely on the professional judgment of a physician.
  • Legislative History
  • On Jul. 22, 2026, bill introduced in House; on Jul. 22, 2026, bill passed House.
  • On Jul. 29, 2026, bill introduced in Senate; on Jul. 31, 2026, bill passed Senate.
  • On Aug. 10, 2026, governor signed, assigned Ch. 188 of 2026.
  • Effectiveness
  • Massachusetts laws generally take effect 90 days after enactment, so Nov. 9, 2026.
Regulators
MA LEG
Entity Types
Ins
Reference
Act, Ch. 188, Bill H5595, 8/10/2026; Citation: *MA LEG* I-112-12N, I-112-12N.5, I-112-12P;
Functions
Claims/Accelerated Benefits; Compliance; Legal
Countries
United States of America
Category
State
N/A
Products
Insurance; Insurance-Health
Rule Type
Final
Regions
Am
Rule Date
Aug 10, 2026
Effective Date
Nov 9, 2026
Rule ID
309639
Linked to
N/A
Reg. Last Update
Aug 10, 2026
Report Section
US Insurance