House set to debate bill easing restrictions on late-term abortions in Mass.

A Massachusetts bill set for House debate Wednesday would ease restrictions on late-term abortions, according to the legislation advanced by lawmakers. After a 23-6 vote, the House Ways and Means Committee approved redrafted bill language that removes the existing four-part framework governing abortions at or beyond 24 weeks when the pregnancy poses risks to the patient or fetus. Instead, the measure states that an abortion may be performed by a physician based on professional judgment. Several Republicans voted against advancing the bill, including John Marsi, Joseph McKenna, Kelly Pease, Todd Smola, Alyson Sullivan-Almeida and Steven Xiarhos, while Michael Chaisson and Marcus Vaughn reserved their rights; others took no action. Supporters, including Mass General Brigham, Tufts Medicine and UMass Memorial Health, say the current framework does not meet patient needs and forces some to travel long distances for care. Critics call the proposal “dangerous” and argue it removes key safeguards tied to conditions like grave fetal diagnosis.