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Date: 6/29/2022
BOSTON – On June 24, in response to the US Supreme Court (SCOTUS) ruling overturning Roe v Wade, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker signed an executive order to protect access to reproductive health care services in the commonwealth.
“I am deeply disappointed in today’s decision by the Supreme Court which will have major consequences for women across the country who live in states with limited access to reproductive health care services. The commonwealth has long been a leader in protecting a woman’s right to choose and access to reproductive health services, while other states have criminalized or otherwise restricted access,” said Baker. “This executive order will further preserve that right and protect reproductive health care providers who serve out of state residents. In light of the Supreme Court’s ruling overturning Roe v Wade, it is especially important to ensure that Massachusetts providers can continue to provide reproductive health care services without concern that the laws of other states may be used to interfere with those services or sanction them for providing services that are lawful in the commonwealth.”
“We are proud of the commonwealth’s history of ensuring access to reproductive health care, and will continue to do so, despite today’s ruling from the Supreme Court,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “With these actions, Massachusetts is once again leading the way in protecting a woman’s right to choose.”
Several other states have imposed laws that would criminalize providing abortions and other reproductive health services, and this executive order would protect providers who perform these services for out of state individuals as well as individuals from out of state who seek services that are lawful in Massachusetts.
The order prohibits any Executive Department agencies from assisting another state’s investigation into a person or entity for receiving or delivering reproductive health services that are legal in Massachusetts.
The order also protects Massachusetts providers who deliver reproductive health care services from losing their professional licenses or receiving other professional discipline based on potential out of state charges.
Under the executive order, the commonwealth will not cooperate with extradition requests from other states pursuing criminal charges against individuals who received, assisted with, or performed reproductive health services that are legal in Massachusetts.
Meanwhile, state Sen. Eric Lesser released a statement in response to the decision urging the state to go further in protecting abortion by amending the state’s constitution.
“Today’s [June 24] dangerous decision by the Supreme Court confirmed our worst fears and validates the need to codify Roe in our state constitution. Thanks to steps Massachusetts has previously taken, abortion will remain legal and is protected under state-level statute. However, today’s decision raises the risk of a federal ban on abortion in the near future, which is why further safeguards are now necessary. Specifically, I believe we need to begin the process to enshrine reproductive freedom in our state constitution, alongside the freedom of speech, assembly, religion and other basic rights. Our neighbors in Vermont have already begun this process. It’s important to start now, especially since it takes many years to complete. With the threat of our rights being changed at a moment’s notice, Massachusetts must put up every possible protection for our residents and families.
There are several services including pregnancy care centers which offer women support when facing an unplanned pregnancy. The support includes practical help with diapers, clothes, pack-and-plays, car seats, job and housing referrals and post-abortive counseling in most cases. Many, many families have been helped through the years.”
Lawmakers were not the only people to weigh in on the SCOTUS decision. Bishop Byrne of the Diocese of Springfield released this statement on the U.S. Supreme Court decision which overturned Roe v. Wade:
“I affirm today’s Supreme Court decision, upholding each state’s right to defend life. Here in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts we still have much work to do so that all citizens recognize the sanctity of all human life. We continue to work, advocate and pray that our brothers and sisters will recognize the right to life of the most vulnerable among us. This includes not just the unborn who are so precious to us, but all people who are vulnerable. We will continue to work to affirm this right, the right given by God alone that all life is sacred and intended. We will continue to support women and families facing a crisis pregnancy through the many ministries and services in the Diocese of Springfield.
He added, “I also pray that those who are upset by this decision will raise their voices in a peaceful manner.”
According to Carolee McGrath, media relations manager for Diocese of Springfield, the diocese also assists women in crisis through other ministries including ministries supported by the Annual Catholic Appeal such as Gray House and food pantries. McGrath cited five pregnancy care centers in Western Massachusetts: Bethlehem House in Easthampton, New Direction in Pittsfield, Alternatives in Greenfield, Clearway Clinic in Springfield and Springfield Pregnancy Care.
Abortions services in Western Massachusetts are available at Baystate Medical Center and Planned Parenthood Western Massachusetts Health Center in Springfield.