LIVONIA (WWJ) – Last November Michigan voters approved Proposal 3, enshrining abortion rights into the state constitution. This November, those protections have been signed into law.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Tuesday signed a package of bills known as the Reproductive Health Act, which supporters say will ensure abortion access for Michiganders, though officials are hoping to make further improvements to the law.
Surrounded by advocates, doctors and state lawmakers at Schoolcraft College in Livonia, Whitmer signed the legislation, calling it "another bold step forward to ensure that Michigan law reflects Michigan values."
"The people spoke loudly last year," she said of Michiganders who voted 57% in favor of the proposal. "We heard loud and clear the people of Michigan speak on this issue at the ballot last fall. What we are doing is executing the will of the people."
The Reproductive Health Act officially repeals "TRAP Laws" designed to close abortion providers, as well as a 1931 state law that would have criminalized nurses and doctors for prescribing medication abortion, including mifepristone.
It also ensures students at Michigan public universities will have access to accurate information about all their reproductive health options.
What the act doesn't include, however, is a provision to include abortion coverage under Medicaid. There is also still a 24-hour waiting period for those seeking abortion access. Whitmer hopes both will be added in the future.
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