BIRMINGHAM (WWJ) – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has officially repealed Michigan's 1931 law banning abortions.
Saying Michigan will "always be a safe and welcoming place that values women's reproductive rights," Whitmer signed legislation into law Tuesday to remove the law from the books.
Speaking at an event in Birmingham, Whitmer noted that despite the repeal, the challenge is likely not going away.
"We know that this fight continues. But I also know this: after the last year that I lived through, I can tell you we are gonna win this fight if we just stay organized, we stay vigilant, we stay active and we work together," Whitmer said.
Prior to signing the repeal, Whitmer asked "who wants to watch me slay a zombie?"
The package of legislation to repeal the ban comes after more than 55% of Michigan voters voted in favor of enshrining the right to abortion in the state's constitution.
The 1931 law did not include exceptions for rape or incest and criminalized nurses and doctors for performing abortions.
The law did not take effect after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade last summer, thanks to judges blocking it with preliminary injunctions.
House Bill 4006 repeals the section of the Penal Code which prescribes a felony for administering to a pregnant woman any medicine, drug, or substance, or employing any instrument or other means, with intent to procure a miscarriage, unless it is necessary to protect the life of the mother.
Senate Bill 2 repeals Section 40 of the Michigan Penal Code, which prohibits the publication or sale of any circular, pamphlet or book that contains recipes for compounds to prevent conception or that tend to produce miscarriage or abortion.
House Bill 4032 deletes the sentencing guidelines to conform with the repeal of the Penal Code sections in HB 4006.
