News, Culture and NPR for Central & Northern Michigan
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Attorney General Dana Nessel speaks on Roe vs. Wade being overturned by Supreme Court

The anticipated overturning of Roe vs. Wade by the U.S. Supreme Court has put the focus on Michigan’s own anti-abortion law that would go back into effect following the ruling.

The 1931 state law criminalizes abortions, unless the life of the mother is at risk.

Speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel says she will not enforce the law.

“I refuse to enforce this draconian law that will endanger their lives and put in jeopardy the health safety and welfare of the lives of each and every woman in the state of Michigan”

Often, it will not be up to Nessel to prosecute, so enforcement could vary from county to county in Michigan.

There is a petition campaign to amend the state constitution and guarantee a woman’s right to abortion care and birth control.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has also asked the Michigan Supreme Court to declare the law unconstitutional.