Detroit Free Press just broke the news that Republican legislators introduced highly punitive anti-choice legislation that surpasses the punishments laid out in the currently dormant law from 1931 that criminalizes abortion, makes felons out of reproductive health care providers, and provides no exceptions for rape or incest. Critical excerpt below:
“…it creates a 10-year prison sentence for doctors performing any abortion deemed illegal, and a 20-year sentence for anyone manufacturing, selling or distributing medications intended to induce abortions.”
With the Supreme Court poised to overturn Roe v. Wade in a matter of days – immediately returning the question of abortion access back to the states – governors will become the last line of defense for women and families seeking reproductive freedom.
Every Republican candidate for governor has supported banning abortion, pledged to enforce the 1931 ban, and also committed to signing new anti-choice legislation that crosses their desk. Ryan Kelley, Garrett Soldano, Kevin Rinke, Tudor Dixon, and Ralph Rebandt have all enthusiastically anticipated the reversal of Roe v. Wade, the return of the 1931 ban, and forcing pregnancy on survivors of sexual assault.
MDP spokesperson Rodericka Applewhaite issued the following statement:
“Ryan Kelley, Garrett Soldano, Kevin Rinke, Tudor Dixon, and Ralph Rebandt have made clear that they will stop at nothing to strip away the right to choose from millions of Michigan women. With the Supreme Court poised to overturn Roe v. Wade and an extreme, dangerous ban making its way through the legislature, the threat to abortion access in Michigan is immediate. Michiganders deserve better.”
