Bishop Barron condemns Massachusetts law allowing abortion up to birth

Massachusetts has approved a law allowing abortion up to the moment of birth, provided the mother and the physician consent. Catholic leaders have condemned the measure, among them Bishop Robert Barron of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, who called it a "grave attack against the sanctity and dignity of every person."

Gov. Maura Healey, who identifies as Catholic, signed the bill. Barron expressed outrage on social media, saying the law allows a fully developed child to be aborted just before birth, an act he called "infanticide."

Barron also criticized a group of women who applauded and celebrated the signing, calling their reaction "particularly repugnant." Archbishop Richard Henning of Boston also said he was concerned. He said the law represents a "grave violation of the sanctity and dignity of every human being," and urged the community to keep promoting the beauty and the miracle of life.

Pressure to deny Communion to the governor

Many Catholics have called for Healey to be denied Holy Communion over her support for the law. Catholic journalist Sachin Jose wrote on Twitter that the call to withhold Communion from her had gained wide traction, drawing close to 25,000 likes and thousands of retweets.

Critics said Healey, who met Pope Francis in May 2024, contradicts the teaching of the pope, who firmly opposed abortion throughout his pontificate.

Call to defend life

Henning urged the faithful not to lose hope and to continue defending life, recalling the words of Scripture: "Choose life, that you may live" (Deuteronomy 30:19).