Michigan Republicans Attempt to Restrict Abortion Access

New Legislation Would Ban Abortion After 15 Weeks, Require Parental Consent for Minors

LANSING, Mich. — Michigan Republicans are pushing forward with a new wave of legislation that would further restrict access to abortion in the state.

The package of bills, introduced this week by state Rep. Matt Maddock (R-Milford), would ban abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy, with no exceptions for cases of rape or incest.

The legislation would also require minors to obtain parental consent before obtaining an abortion, and would prohibit state funding for abortion services.

Maddock said the bills are necessary to protect the lives of unborn children and to ensure that minors are not making decisions about abortion without the involvement of their parents.

"We have a responsibility to protect the most vulnerable among us, and that includes the unborn," Maddock said. "These bills will help to ensure that every child has a chance to live."

Abortion Rights Advocates Condemn Legislation

Abortion rights advocates have condemned the legislation, calling it an "outrageous attack" on women's reproductive rights.

"This legislation is nothing more than an attempt to control women's bodies and lives," said ACLU of Michigan Executive Director Kary Moss.

Moss said the legislation is particularly harmful because it would eliminate the exceptions for rape and incest, which are already difficult experiences for survivors.

"This legislation is cruel and unnecessary," Moss said. "It will only make it harder for women to access the healthcare they need."

Legal Challenges Expected

The legislation is expected to face legal challenges from abortion rights advocates.

The Supreme Court ruled in 1973 that women have a constitutional right to abortion, but states are permitted to regulate abortion access.

However, the Supreme Court has also struck down several state laws that have attempted to restrict abortion access, including a law in Texas that banned abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Conclusion

The fate of the Michigan legislation is uncertain, but it is clear that the debate over abortion rights will continue in the state.

Abortion rights advocates are likely to file lawsuits to block the legislation, while Republicans are expected to defend the laws as necessary to protect unborn children.