Catholic bishops across Massachusetts have issued a statement urging state senators to reject legislation that would remove remaining legal limits on abortions after 24 weeks of pregnancy.
The statement follows the Massachusetts House of Representatives’ passage of the bill on July 22, 2026. The legislation is now before the Massachusetts Senate during the final days of the formal legislative session.
The bishops said the proposal would eliminate existing restrictions on late-term abortions, which they defined as abortions occurring after 24 weeks of pregnancy and up until birth.
“As Catholic bishops we have a moral responsibility to present and uphold Catholic teaching and the sacred God-given dignity of every human life from conception to the natural death,” the bishops wrote.
The statement was signed by Archbishop Richard G. Henning of Boston, Bishop Robert J. McManus of Worcester, Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha of Fall River, and Bishop William D. Byrne of Springfield.
The bishops described the proposed changes as “a radical measure which is gravely immoral” and called on the Senate not to follow the House in advancing the legislation.
The statement encouraged members of the Catholic community to pray for what the bishops called “a renewal of reverence for all human life” and reaffirmed the Church’s call to support women and families and provide resources for those affected by abortion.
The bishops also referenced Pope Leo’s July prayer intentions, citing his call to “love life” with “tenderness, fidelity, and self-giving” and to proclaim through words and actions that every human life is valuable.
The Massachusetts Senate’s consideration of the legislation comes as lawmakers approach the end of the 2026 formal legislative session.
