Politics
Catholic advocacy group urges bishops to discipline Massachusetts governor over abortion law
CatholicVote asked church leaders to declare Governor Maura Healey excommunicated after she signed legislation loosening late-term abortion limits.
The short version
- CatholicVote has formally requested that Massachusetts bishops evaluate whether Governor Maura Healey incurred automatic excommunication under canon law.
- The petition follows Healey signing a law in mid-August removing the state's 24-week abortion limit when authorized by a physician's professional judgment.
- The law takes effect on November 8, making Massachusetts the 10th state to permit late-term abortions under such medical provisions.
- Massachusetts bishops and Governor Healey's office have not yet issued public responses to the excommunication request.
Key facts
- Governor Maura Healey signed legislation in mid-August allowing abortions after 24 weeks based on a physician's professional judgment.[Fox News]
- The Massachusetts abortion statute is scheduled to take effect on November 8.[Fox News]
- CatholicVote president Kelsey Reinhardt sent a letter urging Massachusetts bishops to declare Healey excommunicated under Catholic canon law.[Fox News]
- Bishop Robert Barron and Utah Senator Mike Lee publicly denounced the Massachusetts legislation.[Fox News]
What remains uncertain
- It remains unconfirmed whether Massachusetts bishops will take formal disciplinary steps or rule on Healey's status under canon law.[Fox News]