Abortion Foes, Supporters Pack Hearing At Mass. Statehouse

BOSTON (AP/CBS) — Activists on both sides of the abortion divide have clashed over a bill in Massachusetts that would let women obtain an abortion after 24 weeks of pregnancy in cases of "fatal fetal anomalies."

The bill, called the "Roe Act" by supporters, would amend current state law which allows abortions after 24 weeks only to preserve the life or health of the mother.

"There is no such thing as a late term abortion in medical language, but in the same way that they can consent for pregnancy, for labor and delivery services, they would also be able to consent for an abortion within legal limits," said Dr. Luu Ireland.

The bill would also eliminate the requirement that teens obtain permission from a parent or judge before obtaining an abortion.

"It's a decision between a patient and her doctor. It should not be made by a politician. We should not set that kind of limit," said Sen. Harriette Chandler.

Abortion opponents, many wearing red shirts with the words "choose LIFE, oppose infanticide," crowded the hearing room alongside backers of the bill wearing pink shirts reading "I Support the ROE Act."

Massachusetts Family Institute President Andrew Beckwith called the bill "extreme."

"We're talking about two lives - the mother and the child - both to be protected," said Beckwith. "They're removing obstacles to the Abortion Act. Apparently to the supporters of this bill I as a parent and a father am an obstacle."

In the case that the proposal does make it to the governor's desk even he has some concerns. "I do have concerns about eliminating the parental notification requirement that currently exists in state law," Gov. Charlie Baker said.

Supporters say the small numbers of women who seek the procedure are faced with a heartbreaking choice.

(© Copyright 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)