Referendum to repeal Massachusetts’ Chapter 188 late-term abortion law

Massachusetts voters will have the opportunity to decide the future of the state's late-term abortion law.

Massachusetts Citizens for Life, alongside the Compassionate Care Coalition and hundreds of dedicated volunteers, has helped lead a statewide effort to suspend and repeal Chapter 188 of the Acts of 2026, signed by Governor Maura Healey on August 10, 2026.

The campaign has collected 97,276 certified signatures as of this writing, surpassing the 49,716 required to suspend the law while the referendum proceeds.

But the work is not over. The campaign now turns toward educating voters and building support ahead of the November 2028 election.

The people of Massachusetts deserve a say in this law.

Join us now.

What is Chapter 188?

Chapter 188, also known as House Bill 5595, An Act Prioritizing Patient Access to Care, was signed into law on August 10, 2026. 

The law expands access to late-term abortion, removes the longstanding requirement that certain complex late-term abortions be performed in hospitals, and changes state reporting requirements for late-term abortion data.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts should protect viable unborn children, preserve safeguards for women, and ensure that women facing difficult pregnancies have access to compassionate, life-affirming support.

The referendum gives Massachusetts voters an opportunity to decide whether Chapter 188 should remain in effect.

What happens next?

The referendum process will continue through the 2028 election cycle. The next steps depend on the official certification and implementation of the petition.

1. Signature collection - Completed

Volunteers gathered signatures across the Commonwealth, exceeding the required threshold for the referendum.

2. Official certification and suspension

The petition must satisfy the applicable state requirements for the law's suspension. MCFL will share updates as official decisions are announced.

3. Voter education

MCFL and its coalition partners will work to inform Massachusetts residents about Chapter 188, its implications, and the choice before voters.

4. November 2028 election

Massachusetts voters are expected to decide the fate of Chapter 188 through the referendum, subject to the completion of the required legal process.

A grassroots effort with a lasting purpose

This campaign was made possible by people across Massachusetts who gave their time, opened their churches and communities, and spoke directly with voters.

MCFL is grateful to the volunteers, pastors, parish staff, coalition partners and everyone who helped make the signature drive possible.

The signature drive demonstrated what committed citizens can accomplish together. Now, the focus shifts to ensuring voters have the information they need to make an informed decision in 2028.

How you can help

The next two years are an opportunity to build lasting support for women facing difficult pregnancies and their unborn children, while preparing Massachusetts voters for the referendum.

  • Stay informed. Check this page for campaign announcements, developments and voter education resources.
  • Share the message. Help friends, family and community members understand what Chapter 188 means and why the referendum matters.
  • Get involved. Participate in MCFL activities, community outreach and upcoming campaign events.
  • Support MCFL. Help fund the education, outreach and advocacy needed to carry this effort forward.
  • Learn more and get involved at Repeal188.com.

Referendum news and updates

Follow the campaign as it progresses toward the November 2028 election.