Massachusetts General Laws

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 112, § 12M (2026)

Abortion; pregnancy existing for 24 weeks or less

✓ current as of July 2026

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Section 12M. A physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner or nurse midwife may perform an abortion consistent with the scope of their practice and license if, in their best medical judgment, the pregnancy has existed for less than 24 weeks.

Notes of Decisions

Cited in 4 cases (1 in the last 5 years), 2000–2025 · leading case: Commonwealth v. Pugh, 969 N.E.2d 672 (Mass. 2012).

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Commonwealth v. Pugh, 969 N.E.2d 672 (Mass. 2012). · cites it 3× “See G. L. c. 112, § 12M; 130 Code Mass. Regs.”

Commonwealth v. Crawford, 722 N.E.2d 960 (Mass. 2000). “…determined to have been viable based on its age. See Commonwealth v. Edelin, 371 Mass. 497, 500-501 (1976). See also G. L. c. 112, § 12M.”

Commonwealth v. S. Ashley Ryan (Mass. Super. Ct. 2025). “38, § 3 (person with knowledge must report to chief medical examiner’s office “death where suspicion of abuse of child” under subsection 8, and “fetal death” under subsection 14); G.L. c. 112, § 12M (listing medical providers who may perform an abortion after 24 weeks); G.”

Commonwealth v. Pugh, 25 Mass. L. Rptr. 329 (Mass. Super. Ct. 2009). “See G.L.c. 112, §12M (an abortion involving a pregnancy that has existed for twenty-four weeks or more can only be performed by a physician “and only if it is necessaiy to save the life of the mother, or if a continuation of her pregnancy will impose on her a substantial risk of…”

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