Michigan Passes Country's Most Far-Reaching New Anti-Choice law

[DaveSZ]

http://www.commondreams.org/news2004/0609-09.htm


Michigan Gives Final Passage to Country's Most Far-Reaching New Anti-Choice Law in Recent History
Near-Total Ban on Abortion Presents Direct Challenge to Roe v. Wade

WASHINGTON - June 9 - The Michigan Legislature today enacted the most far-reaching restriction on the right to choose adopted by any state in more than a decade. Under this law – originally known as the Legal Birth Definition Act-- the legislature creates a novel definition of the beginning of human life, based on criteria not recognized by medical professionals.

While the bill’s language is vague and includes terminology that has never appeared in medical literature or usage, experts believe that it could be interpreted to apply beginning in the early weeks of pregnancy – banning all abortions after that point. The new law does not even permit exceptions where women’s health is jeopardized.

Governor Jennifer Granholm vetoed the legislation last year, but anti-choice activists revived the proposal and brought it to final passage through a rarely-used initiative procedure. The law is likely to be the subject of legal challenges, and could well end up before the Supreme Court. Because it affects even first-trimester abortions and contains inadequate protection for women’s health, it could only be upheld by overturning Roe v. Wade.

NARAL Pro-Choice America Interim President Elizabeth Cavendish said: “By using an obscure political process to pass this draconian law, Michigan is forcing a direct challenge to Roe v. Wade – a challenge that could succeed if President Bush is able to add just two new anti-choice judges to the Supreme Court. This bill’s passage underscores yet again the importance of electing a president who will protect a woman’s right to choose.”

Rebekah Warren, Executive Director of MARAL Pro-Choice Michigan said, “Private medical decisions should be made between a woman and her doctor, not by the Michigan Legislature. After years of chipping away at a woman’s right to choose, the anti-choice movement is returning to their ultimate goal of eliminating the right to choose entirely.”

[Lefty48197]

1. Damned right wing lawyers, tying up the courts with frivolous laws

that have already been addressed.
The right wingers have found a loop hole that allows them to bypass the normal legislative procedure, and enact a law WITHOUT the signature of the Governor. It's amazing how often they will work to bypass our democratic institutions. This law will be overturned in court. The entire mess will help to demonstrate just how far out of touch with reality the extreme right wingers are.

[Mari333]

2. Lovely. Our tax monies used for frivolous horseshite.

Jennifer Granholm will veto it, that is why we all voted for her.
In the meantime, all the funds for Headstart have been cut in this area, the schools are falling apart, people can barely feed their children, and there are no jobs in Michigan unless you are flipping burgers or a hooker.
The priorities of the GOP are so skewed they are laughable...however, they are killing people right and left with their policies, and I see it everyday here in Michigan.
Bastards.

[DaveSZ]

3. No

They overrode her veto.

You guys need to take back the state legislature from the Fundies.

[Mari333]

5. jesus, Ive been out of the loop

another reason for me to leave this damn country/state.

[stavka]

4. Strange....I have never heard this.

I live in Michigan, and am activly following the issue.

I think this might be a bit'o spin on the random rantings of some of my west coast reps/sens

[stavka]

6. Much clearer version of the facts

http://www.detnews.com/2004/politics/0405/28/a01-167064.htm

Also, the partial birth ban has already been struck down by at least one federal judge as a violation of Roe v Wade

[stavka]

7. To suggest this could work

would mean States could violate any law, just by getting signatures from its electorate.

I think Michigan's assembly has been talking to the same lawyers the Bush team is using on the subject of torture.

[John_Shadows_1]

8. This is where the GOP wants to go - this issue gets lost...

.. in the shuffle, and that's what they're counting on. Their base pays attention to abortion as a "stealth issue".