Previously, state law permitted abortions up to 24 weeks, with exceptions for cases involving a deadly fetal diagnosis or to protect the life of the mother. The new law eliminates these exceptions, putting the decision in the hands of the patient and health care providers.

"Today, mothers and fathers and families who experience these devastating diagnoses -- and they are devastating, heartbreaking -- now they'll be able to make their own choices," Healey said.

The governor, who has been outspoken about abortion rights in the past, framed the issue in a national context. She said that reproductive health care "has been under fire" nationally and suggested it was the responsibility of states to implement local policies.

"I promise that no matter what Donald Trump or Republicans in Congress or the Supreme Court does, we're going to continue to make sure that women and families have access to the health care that they need right here in Massachusetts," Healey said at the signing ceremony.

The measure passed the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Senate last month.

"We've decided to get away from all the exceptions and trust our medical professionals, who are the best in the world, to make those decisions with the informed consent of the patient," Rep. Michael Day said when the measure passed the House.

“With this vote, the Senate makes clear that these deeply personal decisions belong to patients and the physicians who know them best," Sen. Joan Lovely said when it passed the Senate.