Democratic Michigan Lawmakers Introduce Abortion-Rights Legislation
The package would repeal existing state bans on abortion that would take effect if the Roe decision falls in a current Supreme Court case.
A group of Democratic state senators has introduced a bill package to ensure abortion rights should the U.S. Supreme Court strike down Roe vs. Wade.
Among other things, the package would repeal existing state bans on abortion that would take effect if the Roe decision falls in a current Supreme Court case.
State Sen. Erika Geiss (D-Taylor) says this is something everyone should pay attention to.
“Chipping away at reproductive health care and rights and reproductive justice is something that can affect every single person, every single household, every single family,” she said.
Demonstrators briefly interrupted House session Wednesday to encourage lawmakers to protect abortion rights in the state.
But Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey (R-Clarklake) says he’d rather see anti-abortion laws remain. Michigan’s law, which originally dates to the 1800s, makes it a felony to use an instrument or administer any substance with the intent “to procure the miscarriage” of a woman unless necessary to preserve her life.
“Michigan has terrific laws already in place. They’ve been superseded by the former Supreme Court ruling. And if that is reversed then Michigan stands very well positioned,” Shirkey said.
The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments Wednesday over a Mississippi abortion law directly challenging Roe. The conservative makeup of the court has many observers watching to see if the landmark 1973 decision will hold.
Trusted, accurate, up-to-date.
WDET strives to make our journalism accessible to everyone. As a public media institution, we maintain our journalistic integrity through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.
