When Governor Healey signed Chapter 188 into law this August, many in Massachusetts wondered whether anything could be done. The law had passed. The ink was dry. Beacon Hill had made its decision.
But the people of Massachusetts weren’t finished.
Across the Commonwealth, ordinary citizens got to work. Parishes and churches opened their doors after Mass and Sunday services. Volunteers carried clipboards to their neighbors, friends, and fellow congregants. Moms, dads, grandparents, and young people signed their names because they believe every life is worth protecting.
Today, we can share the result.
The Compassionate Care Coalition has submitted 99,962 signatures to city and town clerks across the state. That is more than double the 49,716 required to put Chapter 188 before the voters. Once the Secretary of the Commonwealth certifies the petition, due by November 8, Chapter 188 will be suspended. In November 2028, voters will have the chance to repeal it entirely.
This is your victory. Thank you!
MFI was proud to join the Compassionate Care Coalition alongside Massachusetts Citizens for Life, Massachusetts Family Action, Democrats for Life of America, and Cape Cod Pro-Life Alliance. Together, we launched a citizen-led veto referendum, the constitutional process that gives voters the power to suspend a new law and decide its fate for themselves.
We are deeply grateful to all four Roman Catholic bishops of Massachusetts for endorsing this effort and leading with conviction. We also thank the many parishes and Protestant churches across the Commonwealth that opened their doors for signature gathering. Your faithfulness made this possible.
“Every human life, born and unborn, is sacred and worthy of protection. Chapter 188 strips away the most basic protections for the most vulnerable among us. Thanks to more than 99,000 signatures from across the Commonwealth, Massachusetts voters will now weigh in on this law at the ballot box in 2028. We’re proud to stand with the Compassionate Care Coalition, and we’re grateful to every person who values the sanctity of life and helped us reach the finish line.”
Michael King, President, Massachusetts Family Institute
The people have spoken clearly, and their voice deserves respect. That’s why MFI urges Beacon Hill not to attach an emergency preamble to Chapter 188.
Here’s why it matters: a certified referendum petition suspends a new law until voters decide. An emergency preamble would override that, putting Chapter 188 into effect immediately and keeping it in force until the 2028 vote. That would be yet another unilateral decision from Beacon Hill that ignores the will of the people. Voters deserve the chance to preserve the dignity of Life in the Commonwealth before this law ever takes effect.
We’ll keep you updated as certification moves forward. Until then, celebrate this moment with us and give thanks. Together, we are building a culture that cherishes every life.
Learn more about the Compassionate Care Coalition at Repeal188.com.
Reaching the ballot was a milestone. Winning at the ballot box in 2028 is the goal, and getting there will take sustained work: defending the petition through certification, holding Beacon Hill accountable on the emergency preamble, and equipping voters and churches with the truth about Chapter 188 in the years ahead.
MFI is committed to every step of that journey, and we can’t do it without you. Your gift today equips us to protect this hard-won victory and carry the fight for Life all the way to Election Day.
Every gift, of every size, makes a difference. Thank you for standing with us.
