Gov. Baker pushes back on GOP head's 'infanticide' comment

BOSTON — Gov. Charlie Baker is distancing himself from criticism lobbed by the head of the Massachusetts Republican Party at Democratic lawmakers who support a bill that would allow greater access to abortion.

Massachusetts GOP Party Chairman Jim Lyons said lawmakers who back the bill aimed at expanding access to abortion after 24 weeks of pregnancy in cases of fatal fetal anomalies are "supporting infanticide."

The bill would also eliminate the requirement that teens obtain permission from a parent or judge before obtaining an abortion.

Baker, a Republican, said he supports current state abortion laws and opposes "late-term abortions."

But Baker said he doesn't believe in questioning motives and character and said the "inflated language that exists on all sides in politics" makes it harder for people to do their jobs.

>> MORE FROM BOSTON 25 NEWS: Mass. regulators releasing review of Wynn Resorts handling of sex allegations

Associated Press