The Roe Act Weakens Society

In 2019, New York became the first State in the Union to pass an expanded abortion bill. The new law was hailed by abortionists and celebrated by elected officials. In Massachusetts, two similar bills were filed; H.3320 “An Act removing obstacles and expanding access to women’s reproductive health” and S.1209 “An Act to remove obstacles and expand abortion access.” Both bills are more commonly referred to as the “Roe Act.” If passed, it will radically change current abortion laws.

The legislation would remove parental involvement. Young women, who are still minors could obtain an abortion. There would be no requirement to notify parents, nor to go to court to get an abortion. Such is the case if a minor is in foster care.

Late-term abortions would be allowed. That is, after 24 weeks. The bill states: A physician, acting within their lawful scope of practice, may perform an abortion when, according to the physician’s best medical judgment based on the facts of the patient’s case, the patient is beyond twenty-four weeks from the commencement of pregnancy and the abortion is necessary to protect the patient’s life or physical or mental health, or in cases of lethal fetal anomalies, or where the fetus is incompatible with sustained life outside the uterus. Medical judgment may be exercised in the light of all factors—physical, emotional, psychological, familial, and the person’s age—relevant to the well-being of the patient.

There would be no requirement to save the baby’s life if he/she survives an abortion. The following section in Massachusetts General Law (Ch. 112, Sec. 12P) would be removed if the Roe Act passes. The current law reads as follows: If an abortion is performed pursuant to section twelve M, the physician performing the abortion shall take all reasonable steps, both during and subsequent to the abortion, in keeping with good medical practice, consistent with the procedure being used, to preserve the life and health of the aborted child. Such steps shall include the presence of life-supporting equipment, as defined by the department of public health, in the room where the abortion is to be performed.

Finally, “Healthy Start” funds may be used to pay for abortions on middle-class women who are ineligible for Medicaid/Masshealth. These funds are actually intended to help moms to be and their babies in need of financial assistance.

I urge everyone reading this to take a step back and think about what type of society can really prosper. Please contact the Massachusetts Legislature’s Joint Committee on the Judiciary (House: (617) 722-2396; Senate: (617) 722-1120) and oppose the Roe Act. If we prefer to abort unborn children in the name of reproductive rights, in the long-term we will suffer greatly. There are other ways, like pregnancy care centers and adoptions. Serious cases need to be addressed thoughtfully with compassion. All options that protect the life and health of the mother and child must be pursued.