A debate over abortion rights was part of state House action today on budget bills.
Michigan has a dormant abortion ban that would again become enforceable if the U-S Supreme Court overturns Roe v-Wade.
Democrats tried to amend a bill to place financial sanctions on counties that try to enforce the ban. Also, that the state would help pay to defend women and abortion providers who are charged under the law. Those failed. Republican amendments would deny Medicaid funds to clinics that offer abortion services.
“What I’m pushing for actually is choice. I want to have options for women that are facing crisis pregnancies. I mean, many women don’t realize they have the option to put their child up for adoption if they’re not able to care for the child.” said Representative Thomas Albert. He says, instead, the budget bill promotes alternatives that don’t include abortion.
Democrats say that’s not a real option for people who are pregnant as a result of rape or who face serious health threats from a pregnancy. They say access to abortion is a crucial part of health care. Governor Gretchen Whitmer says she will use her veto powers on any language that attempts to curtail abortion rights.
