Michigan legislature votes to repeal 1931 law criminalizing abortion drugs

The Michigan Legislature on Wednesday repealed a 1931 regulation that criminalized abortion medicine within the state. 

H.B. 4006 handed the state Home by a 58-50 margin on March 2, and the state Senate by a 20-18 margin lower than every week later. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is predicted to signal the invoice.   

“At present’s repeal of this antiquated regulation is a victory for hundreds of thousands of Michigan residents who, like myself, worth bodily integrity and private freedom,” Michigan Lawyer Common Dana Nessel mentioned in a information launch. She expressed gratitude that state legislators are listening to their constituents, whose voted efficiently handed Proposition 3 in November, enshrining abortion within the state structure. 

The invoice repeals Part 750.14 of Michigan penal code that makes “miscarriage” inducing medicine a felony, barring situations the place the pregnant individual’s life is in peril. The felony carries a punishment of as much as 4 years in jail, and/or a $5,000 fantastic.

Moreover, the invoice repeals Part 750.15, which pertains to the commercial or sale of abortion-inducing medicine, a legal misdemeanor. 

The invoice was initially launched in mid-January by state Rep. Laurie Pohutsky, a Democrat from Michigan’s seventeenth District.

“The folks of this state can relaxation assured that their elected officers won’t sit idly by within the wake of Roe v. Wade being overturned, and can struggle to make sure that residents’ well being, security, and wellbeing is safeguarded from dangerous laws,” mentioned Nessel, referencing the federal proper to abortion, which was overturned by the Supreme Court docket in June of final yr. 

In September, a Michigan court docket dominated the 1931 legal guidelines unconstitutional following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, permitting for the authorized procurement of abortion-inducing medicine within the state.