Abortion Ban

NEAR-TOTAL

Massachusetts has not repealed its pre-Roe abortion ban, which is unconstitutional and unenforceable.

The ban provides that whoever, with the intent to cause an abortion, unlawfully advises a woman to take any substance to induce abortion, or prescribes such a substance, or uses any instrument to produce an abortion will be imprisoned for up to seven years and fined up to $2000.  Mass. Gen. Laws Ann. ch. 272, § 19 (Enacted 1845; Last Amended xxxx).

Any person who knowingly advertises abortion services will be imprisoned for up to three years or fined up to $1000.  Mass. Gen. Laws Ann. ch. 272, § 20 (Enacted 1847; Last Amended 1966).  Any person who: (1) sells or otherwise distributes any drug, instrument, or other article intended for causing abortion; (2) advertises how such articles may be obtained; or (3) manufactures such articles will be imprisoned for up to five years or fined from $100 to $1000.  Mass. Gen. Laws Ann. ch. 272, § 21 (Enacted 1879; Last Amended 1966).