In 1931, Michigan passed a law that banned all abortions except those done to protect the life of the pregnant mother. In May, a Michigan state judge ruled that the state could not start enforcing the 1931 ban if Roe v. Wade was overturned by the Supreme Court – which it did a month later. On Monday, the Michigan Court of Appeals ruled that the temporary injunction that prevented the enforcement of this ban on abortion in Michigan does not apply to county prosecutors.
This ruling will allow the state’s county prosecutors to immediately begin deciding whether they will be bringing charges against those who perform abortions. Those who choose to enforce the abortion ban will make it illegal in their county to perform an abortion unless it is to save the life of the pregnant woman.
This ruling, while celebrated by some, is already being fought by others who are pro-abortion.
Planned Parenthood has, unsurprisingly, spoken out against this recent ruling. Following the court ruling, Planned Parenthood of Michigan released a statement, saying,
“Planned Parenthood of Michigan will continue to evaluate our legal options and remains committed to protecting abortion access in Michigan.
Planned Parenthood of Michigan will continue to provide abortion services in accordance with the law. PPMI patients can keep their appointments and our doors remain open.”
Democrat Governor Gretchen Whitmer is also fighting against the ruling, as indicated in a statement released by her chief communications officer.
“As we look at next steps, Michiganders should know that Governor Whitmer will continue to fight like hell to protect a woman’s ability to make her own medical decisions with her trusted health care provider.
Earlier this year, Governor Whitmer took executive action asking the Michigan Supreme Court to resolve whether the state constitution protects the right to abortion. The Michigan Supreme Court could take up the governor’s lawsuit at any time, and they should do so immediately to provide clarity for Michiganders that their right to abortion remains unchanged.”
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D)
It remains to be seen which counties will enforce the 1931 law, and which will allow abortions to continue as usual. Nevertheless, this is a major win for pro-life supporters in the state of Michigan.
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