Massachusetts legislature overrides Governor’s veto, expands abortion availability

The Massachusetts Senate on Tuesday voted to override the Governor’s veto of legislation that greatly expands abortion in the state, making the measure law.

The Democratic-controlled Senate’s 32-8 override came a day after the Democratic-controlled House similarly voted to override Gov. Charlie Baker’s veto 107-46.

The bill, known as the Roe Act, codifies abortion rights into state law, allows abortions after 24 weeks of pregnancy in cases where the child has a life-limiting condition, and lowers from 18 to 16 the age at which women can seek an abortion without consent from a parent or guardian.

Baker, in vetoing the legislation last week, said while he strongly supports many provisions of the measure, he could not support expanding the availability of late-term abortions and permitting 16- and 17-year-olds to get an abortion without parental consent.