‘Michigan has showed the world’: Whitmer signs pared-down Reproductive Health Act into law ⋆ Michigan Advance
michiganadvance.com
Underneath a digital billboard that said, “Today we are taking another bold step forward to ensure Michigan laws reflect Michigan values,” Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Tuesday signed into law bills that repeal several abortion restrictions in Michigan. The ceremony, held at Schoolcraft College’s Vistatech Center in Livonia, featured dozens of reproductive rights supporters and […]

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs the Reproductive Health Act at Schoolcraft College, Nov. 21, 2022 | Photo: Jon KIng

“Across the nation, the American people are standing up for abortion rights,” said [Michigan Governor Gretchen] Whitmer. “We’ve seen it again and again. They’ve looked to Michigan because we showed the world. When you speak truth to power, when you fight for the issue and fight for the people, you can win on this issue.”

What was not included were provisions that included eliminating the mandatory 24-hour waiting period before getting an abortion and allowing Medicaid to cover the cost of an abortion.

Those two measures, which were key priorities for several advocacy groups for abortion access, were cut from the original legislation, after Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) stated she wouldn’t vote for measures that she said allow Medicaid resources to be used for those seeking elective abortions rather than senior citizens living in poverty.

As for the missing elements, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has already said it would continue to advocate for their passage.