The bill, which Healey signed into law, allows abortion at any point in pregnancy. Last week, she issued an emergency declaration to put the law into effect immediately, a step that blocked an effort to repeal it through a referendum. The declaration means the law takes effect without the usual waiting period, preventing opponents from gathering signatures to suspend it and place a repeal question on the ballot.

Healey defended both the bill and her use of executive authority on Wednesday, arguing that the emergency measure was necessary to protect reproductive health care in Massachusetts. Her office did not provide additional comment beyond her public remarks.

The Massachusetts Catholic Conference, which represents the state's four dioceses, condemned the bill and the emergency declaration. In a statement, the conference said the law "expands abortion throughout pregnancy" and called the use of emergency powers "an affront to the democratic process." The group urged lawmakers and voters to oppose the measure.

Criticism also came from some Democrats, including state lawmakers who said they support abortion rights but objected to the process. State Sen. John Keenan, a Quincy Democrat, said he was "deeply troubled" by the emergency declaration, arguing it circumvented the public's ability to weigh in. "This is not about the substance of the bill, but about how we got here," Keenan said. "The people of Massachusetts deserve a voice."

The emergency declaration, issued under a provision of state law that allows the governor to suspend certain procedural requirements during a public health emergency, has raised questions about the limits of executive power. Legal experts said the move is likely to face court challenges.

Massachusetts law previously allowed abortion up to 24 weeks, with exceptions after that point in cases of rape, incest, or to protect the life or health of the pregnant person. The new law removes the 24-week limit entirely, a change that supporters say is necessary to ensure access to care, particularly for patients who face later-term complications.

Healey, a Democrat and former attorney general, has been a strong advocate for abortion rights. She said the bill is a response to the U.S. Supreme Court's 2022 decision overturning Roe v. Wade and to efforts in other states to restrict abortion. "Massachusetts will not go backward," Healey said. "We will protect the right to choose."

The controversy comes as the state prepares for the 2026 election cycle, with abortion expected to be a central issue. Republican lawmakers have vowed to make the emergency declaration a campaign issue, and anti-abortion groups said they will continue to fight the law.

The bill's passage and the emergency declaration have also drawn attention to the state's referendum process. Under Massachusetts law, opponents of a new law can gather signatures to suspend it and force a statewide vote. The emergency declaration short-circuits that process, a move that some good-government groups said sets a troubling precedent.

"The governor's action may be legal, but it undermines the public's faith in the legislative process," said Pam Wilmot, executive director of Common Cause Massachusetts. "Voters should have the final say on such a consequential issue."

Healey's office said the emergency declaration was based on a determination that the law is necessary to protect public health, citing the need to ensure access to abortion care. The governor has the authority to issue such declarations under the state's Civil Defense Act, which allows her to take emergency measures during a declared emergency. It is unclear whether a public health emergency was formally declared.

The bill's supporters, including reproductive rights groups, praised Healey for her leadership. "Governor Healey is doing exactly what she was elected to do: protect access to health care," said Rebecca Hart Holder, executive director of Reproductive Equity Now. "We are grateful for her courage."

The debate is expected to continue in the coming weeks, with the Legislature potentially taking up a repeal bill and opponents planning a legal challenge. For now, the law remains in effect, and Healey shows no signs of backing down.