BRAINTREE -- Archbishop Richard G. Henning is encouraging pro-life advocates to "continue to proclaim the beauty and the miracle of life" in the face of a new law that drastically expands access to late-term abortion in Massachusetts.

The measure, signed into law by Gov. Maura Healey on Aug. 10, allows abortions after 24 weeks, potentially up until birth, based solely on the "professional judgment" of a physician. This removes previous restrictions, which only allowed abortions after 24 weeks to preserve the patient's life or their physical or mental health, or in cases of lethal or severe fetal abnormalities. The new law also eliminates the requirement that late-term abortions be performed in a hospital setting.

The law will go into effect on Nov. 8. While supporters say it expands access to care for pregnant women in Massachusetts whose unborn children suffer life-threatening complications, pro-life opponents maintain the law will allow the elective abortion of healthy unborn babies at a point in development when the child can experience pain and could potentially survive outside the womb.

"The passage and signing of a bill radically expanding abortion in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a grave offense against the sanctity and dignity of every person," the archbishop said in a statement issued Aug. 11. "I realize that those who work to uphold and promote that dignity may feel discouraged in this moment. I encourage us to continue to proclaim the beauty and the miracle of life."

"The Word of God commands us, 'Choose life, that you may live.' May that truth give us strength and hope," the archbishop said.