What a post-Roe Michigan could look like
If the Supreme Court does weaken or overturn Roe v. Wade, each state would decide on its own what the scope and breadth of abortion rights looks like.
Last week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer filed a lawsuit in the Oakland Circuit Court challenging Michigan’s longstanding abortion ban. That’s in anticipation that the U.S. Supreme Court will overturn or weaken Roe v. Wade. She’s asking the Michigan Supreme Court to weigh in right away on the questions her lawsuit poses.
“Pregnancy is one of the most dangerous things that a young, healthy person can do.” – Dr. Sarah Wallett, Planned Parenthood of Michigan
That’s just one of several efforts to keep abortion rights in place here in Michigan. Planned Parenthood of Michigan filed their own lawsuit on the same day.
Listen: A look at what a post-Roe Michigan might look like and the efforts to preserve abortion rights.
Guests
Beth LeBlanc is a reporter for the Detroit News who has been covering this story closely. She says Michigan’s abortion ban is restrictive.
“The 1931 law actually makes it a felony for someone to perform an abortion, so it largely focuses on abortion providers,” says LeBlanc.
Dr. Sarah Wallett is chief medical officer for Planned Parenthood of Michigan. She’s also listed as an individual plaintiff on Planned Parenthood’s lawsuit as an abortion provider.
“Pregnancy is one of the most dangerous things that a young, healthy person can do,” Wallett says. “I worry about what it means for my patients if they don’t have that option.”
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