Gretchen Whitmer • Abortion • Michigan • Repeal

    Gretchen Whitmer • Abortion • Michigan • Repeal

Gretchen Whitmer, the current governor of Michigan, has been a vocal advocate for reproductive rights and has taken steps to protect access to abortion in the state. However, there have been efforts to repeal some of these protections and restrict access to abortion.

In 2019, Governor Whitmer vetoed a bill that would have banned the dilation and evacuation procedure, which is commonly used in second-trimester abortions. She also vetoed a bill that would have required doctors to provide information about reversing medication abortions, a controversial and unproven procedure.

Despite these vetoes, anti-abortion groups have continued to push for restrictions on abortion in Michigan. In 2020, a group called Michigan Heartbeat Coalition launched a petition drive to ban abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected, which can occur as early as six weeks into a pregnancy. The group gathered enough signatures to send the proposal to the state legislature, but it has not yet been voted on.

In addition, a group called Right to Life of Michigan has been pushing for a ballot initiative to ban a common form of abortion called dilation and curettage. The group is currently gathering signatures for the initiative, which would need to be approved by the legislature or go to a statewide vote.

Governor Whitmer has vowed to veto any bills that restrict access to abortion, but the outcome of these efforts remains uncertain. The debate over abortion rights in Michigan and across the country is likely to continue, with both sides deeply entrenched in their positions.