On Friday, May 31 the Senate passed Senate Bill 25, a controversial proposal that would allow for late-term abortions all the way up to the moment of birth. State Senator Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) issued the following statement on the proposal:

“They’re trying to sell this as simply a measure to ensure that if Roe v. Wade is overturned, abortion will remain legal. Don’t believe the rhetoric, that’s already the law, this bill didn’t need to pass for that to happen. What this bill actually does is radically expand what would be allowed under the law,” said Tracy. “It would allow for late-term abortion, would require private insurance companies to cover abortion, and could require doctors, nurses and hospitals to perform abortions without concern for their personal beliefs or constitutional rights. The bill states that a fetus has no fundamental rights. This greatly contradicts our laws that allow a defendant who takes the life of a pregnant woman to be charged with the murder of both the mother and the unborn child. Further, the bill removes many safety measures which actually could jeopardize women’s health if seeking an abortion. As a mother, and a human being, I support life.  I voted no.”

SB 25 passed the Senate and will move to the Governor’s office for final consideration.