LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Several abortion-related laws would be repealed under a new plan being discussed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer and other Democratic leaders.
The plan, called the “Michigan Reproductive Health Act,” was introduced by Whitmer and Democratic lawmakers during a press conference Tuesday. If passed, it would update and remove restrictions relating to abortion in Michigan law.
For instance, a 1931 law that prohibits doctors from performing an abortion would be removed, since it is essentially nullified by Roe v. Wade.
It would also lift the restriction that a minor seeking an abortion would need parental consent before the procedure, among other various restrictions.
The plan is sponsored by Rep. Kirsty Pagan, D-Canton.
“No two pregnancies are the same and no one needs or wants politicians making medical decisions for them,” Pagan said. “The women of Michigan are depending on us to guarantee that their personal decision-making stays private between themselves, their doctor and their families.”
An official draft of the plan was not available Tuesday, but lawmakers say it will be fully introduced soon.
“Women’s reproductive rights and access to quality health care are under attack across the country,” Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a press release. “Now, more than ever, we must take concrete steps to ensure the rights of all women are protected under the law.”
The news of the bill package comes as two pro-life Michigan organizations, Right to Life of Michigan and the Michigan Heartbeat Coalition, are planning to collect signatures for two different petitions that would outlaw different abortion procedures and establish restrictions in Michigan.
According to an official press release, Michigan Heartbeat Coalition, along with pro-life state legislators, will be holding a press conference at noon on Wednesday, October 30th at the Radisson Hotel in downtown Lansing in response to the proposed bills.
Whitmer maintains that she would veto any pro-life bill or petition submitted to her office.
