Abortion in Mass. General Law

Following are some important references to abortion in the Massachusetts General Law (MGL).

Note: some of the statutes may be obsolete in some instances. For example, Chapter 112, Section 12S, talks about a minor getting the permission of both parents before getting an abortion (or getting the judicial bypass). But the Massachusetts Supreme Juduicial Court (SJC) ruled unconsitutional the provision about both parents' permission. It ruled that only one parent's permission was needed. But the statute's language was never changed.

Chapter 112: Section 12F.
Emergency treatment of minors

Chapter 112: Section 12I.
Abortion or sterilization procedures; refusal of hospital or health facility staff members or employees to participate

Chapter 112: Section 12J.
Experimentation on human fetuses prohibited; medical procedures authorized; consent; approval; civil and criminal liability and proceedings; severability

Chapter 112: Section 12K.
Definitions applicable to Secs. 12L to 12U

Chapter 112: Section 12L.
Abortion; pregnancy existing for less than 24 weeks

Chapter 112: Section 12M.
Abortion; pregnancy existing for 24 weeks or more

Chapter 112: Section 12O.
Abortion performed pursuant to Sec. 12M; protection of unborn child

Chapter 112: Section 12P.
Abortion performed pursuant to Sec. 12M; preservation of life and health of child

Chapter 112: Section 12Q.
Restrictions on abortions performed under Sec. 12L or 12M; emergency excepted

Chapter 112: Section 12R.
Written statement of reasons for abortion as required by Sec. 12M; tests on pregnant patients prior to abortions; report to commissioner, contents; filing; statistical tables, annual report to general court; additional reports

Chapter 112: Section 12S.
Consent to abortion; form; persons less than eighteen years of age

Chapter 112: Section 12U.
Enjoining performance of abortion

Chapter 266: Section 120E.
Obstructing entry to or departure from medical facilities; penalties; injunctive relief

Chapter 266: Section 120E1/2.
Reproductive health care facilities