LANSING, Mich. (AP) — A draft opinion suggesting the U.S. Supreme Court may be about to overturn the landmark Roe v. wade has spilled over onto the political battleground in Michigan, where a near-total abortion ban could take effect again after nearly 40 years and is unlikely to be changed by the Republican-led Legislature.
There’s increased focus in Michigan on state courts, where Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Planned Parenthood — anticipating the decision — sued less than a month ago seeking to strike down the 1931 law that remains on the books. The development also focused on the November elections, when the governor and lawmakers are up for re-election and voters can decide whether to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution.
“Women wake up this morning feeling hopeless; but we cannot go back. I’m more motivated than ever to keep fighting like hell to ensure abortion remains safe and accessible in Michigan,” Whitmer tweeted.
the leaked draft notice published Monday by Politico indeed, there is no constitutional right to abortion services and would allow individual states to more strongly regulate or outright ban the procedure. But it’s unclear whether the draft represents the Supreme Court’s final say on the matter — opinions often change in big and small ways in the drafting process.
Michigan’s pre-Roe law, which dates back to an 1846 statute, makes it a felony to use an instrument or administer any substance with intent to abort a fetus, unless it is necessary to save the woman’s life. There are no exceptions in cases of rape and incest, and Whitmer said Michigan would have “one of the most extreme laws in the country.”
Republican lawmakers have blocked Democrats’ efforts to repeal the law. Democratic state attorney general Dana Nessel and Democratic prosecutors in seven counties with abortion clinics have in turn pledged not to enforce it. The other six counties with clinics have Republican prosecutors.
All 10 Republican candidates vying to challenge Whitmer are anti-abortion. Many oppose it except to protect the woman’s life, in line with Right to Life of Michigan’s position. At least two, businessman Kevin Rinke and State Police Captain Michael Brown, support additional exceptions such as rape and incest.
“If true, I think the Supreme Court did the right thing by letting the people of Michigan make their own decision,” Rinke tweeted. “As governor, I will ensure that Michigan is a state that respects the sanctity of life.”
Another candidate, former conservative newscaster Tudor Dixon, released a lengthy statement saying she is ‘pro-life’ and telling women they don’t have to ‘choose and choose’ between having a baby .
“Life wins!” tweeted chiropractor Garrett Soldano.
For proponents of abortion rights, the impending High Court ruling has underscored the urgency of a ballot they announced in January in anticipation of the end of federal abortion rights. The constitutional amendment would affirm the right to make pregnancy-related decisions without interference, including regarding abortion and other reproductive services such as birth control.
the Reproductive freedom for all The committee, which began circulating petitions in March, needs to collect about 425,000 signatures from valid voters by July 11 to proceed with the November ballot.
“The sad reality is that our fate is now in our hands; the United States Supreme Court will not protect us,” said Nicole Wells Stallworth, executive director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan. stay alert and motivated to see it through to the finish because time is running out.
Follow David Eggert on https://twitter.com/DavidEggert00
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.