“We’ve heard so many stories — stories that are filled with a lot of pain and anguish and heartache and a lot of trauma. “We’re signing this law today so that new patients, people we won’t know or won’t meet, will be able to get the care that they need in Massachusetts.” The diagnosis didn’t qualify for an exception, Dineen said, and their doctor’s “highly capable hands were tied by Massachusetts state law.” According to Reproductive Equity Now, abortion care after 24 weeks represents less than 1% of terminations in the United States. “Massachusetts is affirming again that abortion is essential healthcare, and that politicians should never stand between a patient and their doctor.