Massachusetts is in the middle of a fight that mixes law, faith and political pressure after the governor approved a bill expanding late-term abortion access. A national Catholic group wants local bishops to weigh in, even to consider formal church discipline, and the move has opened a broader debate about how clergy should handle Catholic politicians who back abortion rights.
CatholicVote has publicly urged Massachusetts bishops to determine whether Gov. Maura Healey incurred automatic excommunication under canon law after signing the new measure. The group argues that the change in state law, which removes the prior 24-week limit and allows later procedures based on a physician’s judgment, crosses a line that demands pastoral and canonical response.
CatholicVote president and CEO Kelsey Reinhardt said, “To weaponize Catholic virtues, to weaponize Christian virtues in the defense of something so egregiously contrary to the faith is a new moment in the political landscape and in the way in which bishops should deal with politicians.” Her words underline the group’s belief that political rhetoric has been used to shield actions that contradict Church teaching.
The law, signed in mid-August and set to take effect Nov. 8, replaces the state’s previous limits and explicitly permits later abortions if a physician judges it necessary. That change has rattled many who see it as removing practically all gestational limits and ushering Massachusetts into the small group of states permitting abortion up to birth in certain circumstances. For critics, the measure is not just legal policy but a moral rupture that demands a firm institutional response.
Bishop Robert Barron sharply condemned the new law and the reaction at the signing, saying, “Please understand what this means. A fully-formed child, moments before exiting the birth canal, can be eviscerated, chopped into pieces, have its head crushed or skin burned off,” said the bishop in an .
“What I found particularly gross was the reaction of the entirely female crowd around the female governor of Massachusetts as she signed this barbaric provision into law,” he said, referencing those surrounding Healey during the signing. Those comments have reignited pressure on bishops to decide whether criticism alone is enough or if canonical consequences are warranted.
Utah Sen. Mike Lee the bishop’s comments, highlighting, “They were clapping and cackling with delight because what can only be called infanticide can now be practiced with impunity in their state” along with “[microphone emoji] dropped.” The senator’s blunt language reflects how many conservatives view the law as an assault on basic moral boundaries and an occasion for political resistance.
Reinhardt also framed the situation as a challenge to Church authority: “It’s left entirely to the bishops,” Reinhardt said, adding that when politicians are allowed to publicly take positions “so contrary to the faith,” it “creates confusion for people in the pews.” That point gets to the heart of the debate about whether public officeholders who promote policies at odds with Catholic teaching should face internal Church penalties.
Past examples show the options on the table. Then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was barred from receiving Holy Communion in the Archdiocese of San Francisco by Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone in 2022 because of her public support for abortion rights. “It’s certainly a tool that bishops have in their legislative disciplinary toolbox, which is to say, you know, actually you’ve found yourself in a state of grave sin because you’ve publicly advocated for this so I can no longer give you the Holy Sacrament,” said Reinhardt.
https://x.com/BishopBarron/status/2087565410480672918
The debate now moves to Massachusetts, where bishops will decide how to balance pastoral care, canonical law and public witness. Requests for comment were sent to Healey’s office and to Massachusetts Catholic bishops as the clock ticks toward the law’s effective date and as church leaders weigh how to respond.
Darnell Thompkins is a Canadian-born American and conservative opinion writer who brings a unique perspective to political and cultural discussions. Passionate about traditional values and individual freedoms, Darnell’s commentary reflects his commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue. When he’s not writing, he enjoys watching hockey and celebrating the sport that connects his Canadian roots with his American journey.