Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund Applauds House Vote to Repeal Unconstitutional Abortion Ban

BOSTON—The Massachusetts House of Representatives today voted overwhelmingly to repeal archaic and unenforceable state laws that outlawed abortion, limited abortion access, and barred unmarried individuals from using contraception. The state Senate voted unanimously to repeal these laws in January. The bill now goes to the Governor’s desk.

Statement by Dr. Jennifer Childs-Roshak, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts:

“I applaud the Massachusetts House of Representatives for voting overwhelmingly to wipe archaic and unconstitutional laws off the books and make clear the right to safe, legal abortion is protected in our state. These archaic laws represent a Massachusetts that no longer exists—one in which women did not have autonomy over their bodies, futures, or lives—and one that should never again exist.

“The nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court has put the right to access abortion safely and legally in this country on the line. As anti-abortion politicians in other states prepare for their chance to make abortion access illegal, Massachusetts is saying loud and clear that it values reproductive rights and the ability of all people to make their own decisions about their bodies.

“The repeal of these archaic laws is one of many actions Massachusetts must take to protect its residents from the unprecedented threats posed by the Trump administration. Basic rights and freedoms are under attack and each attack demands elected leaders push back however they can and set an example for the rest of the country.”