The Compassionate Care Coalition, a group opposing a Massachusetts law expanding abortion access after 24 weeks, has gathered nearly 100,000 signatures to challenge the measure, surpassing the 49,716 required to force a 2028 voter referendum. The coalition, led by Massachusetts Citizens for Life and Massachusetts Family Action, submitted the signatures to the Secretary of State’s office on Thursday, positioning the law for potential suspension before its November 2028 election. “The people of Massachusetts did not ask for abortion through all nine months, and in a matter of weeks they made that clear,” said Sam Miele, chair of the coalition. The law, Chapter 188, allows physicians to perform abortions after 24 weeks in cases of risks to a patient’s life, health, or in instances of lethal fetal diagnoses. It was signed by Gov. Maura Healey in August and is set to take effect 90 days after the signing, on November 8, 2026.
The coalition’s signature drive, launched in September, exceeded expectations, with over 97,000 signatures collected. Healey’s office has not yet decided whether to invoke emergency powers to block the referendum, a move that could prevent the law’s suspension. “The Governor continues to monitor the referendum process and evaluate options,” said a spokesperson for Healey’s office, adding that the law aims to “make sure these decisions are made between a woman and her doctor.” The coalition cited rising late-term abortion data—41 in 2022, 84 in 2023, and 99 in 2024—as justification for its efforts. Support from Roman Catholic bishops, Protestant churches, and pro-life organizations was highlighted at a State House event, where speakers emphasized “truth paves the road of possibility.” The coalition now shifts focus to educating voters ahead of the 2028 election [1][3].
Signatures Surpass Threshold for 2028 Vote
The Compassionate Care Coalition’s efforts to collect signatures for a 2028 referendum on the abortion law exceeded 97,000, far surpassing the 49,716 needed to qualify for the ballot. The group submitted the signatures to local town clerks and the Secretary of State’s office, marking a critical step in its campaign to challenge the law. The coalition emphasized grassroots mobilization, thanking “every volunteer, pastor and parish staffer who carried a clipboard.” The law, which grants physicians expanded discretion to perform abortions after 24 weeks, was passed by the state legislature and signed by Healey in August. Its implementation is scheduled for November 8, 2026, but the referendum could delay its enforcement pending voter approval in 2028.
Governor Healey Considers Emergency Declaration to Block Referendum
Gov. Maura Healey’s office has not yet determined whether to declare the law an emergency, a move that could block the referendum process. “This law is for parents facing some of the most painful and devastating circumstances imaginable and making sure these decisions are made between a woman and her doctor,” a spokesperson said. The Compassionate Care Coalition urged the governor to avoid such a declaration, arguing that voters should have the final say. The coalition’s campaign also highlighted a provision in the law removing a requirement for the Department of Public Health to report late-term abortion data, citing a rise in cases from 41 in 2022 to 99 in 2024. The group plans to focus on voter education ahead of the 2028 election, with leaders like Myrna Maloney Flynn stating, “If you ever think you’re powerless when it comes to protecting the unborn, think again.”
