The invoice comes after voters overwhelmingly accepted a poll measure defending abortion entry within the state final yr.
On Wednesday, Michigan grew to become the primary state to formally repeal an abortion ban after the autumn of Roe v. Wade.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) signed a bill on Wednesday afternoon that the state legislature handed final month, repealing essential elements of a virtually century-old abortion ban within the state.
The invoice revokes the part of a 1931 abortion regulation that makes it a felony in almost all circumstances to manage medicine that may induce a miscarriage. This was the one part of the ban left that might have been used to limit abortions after Michigan voters handed a poll measure final yr to guard abortion rights by a large margin.
In remarks previous the invoice signing, Whitmer struck a triumphant tone. “We all know that this struggle continues. However I additionally know this. After the final yr that I’ve lived by way of, I can let you know: We’re going to win this struggle,” she said. “So, who want to watch me slay a zombie?”
As a result of it was unclear whether or not or not the portion of the regulation that’s now repealed was nonetheless enforceable, Democrats — who management each chambers of the state legislature and the governor’s workplace — opted to eliminate that risk. A Michigan state decide had already suspended the ban’s enforcement final yr after ruling that it was unconstitutional.
Abortion advocates have celebrated the repeal.
“At present is a testomony to the facility of our voices and the power of our votes, proving progress is feasible once we elect those that champion our freedoms,” mentioned NARAL Professional-Selection America President Mini Timmaraju in an announcement. “NARAL Professional-Selection America and our 125,500 Michigan members thank Governor Gretchen Whitmer for her unwavering dedication to reproductive freedom. At present is a vital step within the struggle for freedom and abortion entry for Michiganders at the moment, tomorrow, and for generations to return.”
Some states have handed payments affirming the best to an abortion in current months, whereas others have had their bans suspended by courts. However Michigan is the primary state to repeal an abortion ban because the extremist Supreme Court docket handed down its Dobbs v. Jackson resolution — a transfer that solely grew to become doable after state Democrats scored their first trifecta in a long time in November. Democrats in different states have fought to repeal bans, however have been blocked by Republicans.
The repeal comes as abortion entry in different states seems to develop extra restricted by the month. Up to now, 13 states have full or near-complete bans on the process, whereas 5 states have in any other case restrictive bans. 9 different states have had their bans blocked by judges, however Republicans are nonetheless waging efforts to skirt these rulings. If Republicans in Ohio and Indiana have been capable of have their bans reinstated, Michigan would grow to be an island for abortion rights, completely minimize off from different states the place the process is authorized.
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