Lansing Update: Governor, Legislature Repeal Women’s Protections

Posted April 6, 2023

In this update:

Governor, Legislature Repeal Laws Protecting Women from Dangerous Abortion Practices

Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC) this week issued a statement criticizing the signing of legislation that removed criminal penalties for killing a woman during an abortion and removing protections against unregulated abortion practices.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law House Bill 4006, sponsored by Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia), which removed the prohibition on abortion except in cases to save the mother’s life, as well as the ban on advertising or selling drugs without a valid prescription or other pills or powders to cause an abortion.

The Governor also signed House Bill 4032, sponsored by Rep. Stephanie Young (D-Detroit), which would remove the maximum 15-year felony for an abortion resulting in the death of a woman; as well as

Senate Bill 2, sponsored by Sen. Erika Geiss (D-Taylor), which repeals a longstanding law intended to protect women from those who publicize unregulated abortion practices, including “recipes or prescriptions for drops, pills, tinctures or other compounds” to produce an abortion.

In the statement, Rebecca Mastee, MCC policy advocate, said, “The current legislative majority and Gov. Whitmer’s new abortion policy presents risk and harm for vulnerable women and does not reflect what voters were sold regarding Proposal 3 — that it would just ‘restore Roe v. Wade’ — because under Roe, each of these laws now being repealed served a valid purpose.”

Mastee urged lawmakers again to refocus public policy efforts toward preventing abortion and working to provide resources to mothers in need. To read the full statement, click or tap here.

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Have a Blessed Triduum and Happy Easter

Starting today with Holy Thursday, the Church now embarks into the holiest time of the year as we contemplate the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ.

The MCC offices will be closed tomorrow for Good Friday and on Easter Monday. Normal hours will resume Tuesday, April 11, which is also when the legislative session resumes after spring break.

On behalf of the staff at MCC, we wish all our Lansing Update readers and members of the Catholic Advocacy Network a blessed and prayerful Triduum as well as a happy Easter as we anticipate the celebration of the Resurrection of Our Lord.

May the hope in the resurrection and new life give you encouragement as you work along with us to bring about a society of peace and justice here in Michigan.