Mich. Abortion Rights Initiative to Appear in Nov. Ballot

Facts

  • In a 5-2 ruling on Thurs., the Mich. Supreme Court ordered a citizen-initiative ballot measure that seeks to enshrine abortion rights into the state constitution be added to the Nov. ballot.
  • This ruling was certified by the state's board of canvassers Fri. morning, and means that voters will be allowed to weigh in on the question of abortion rights in the state.
  • Supporters of the amendment say that this initiative could block the 1931 abortion law - which banned the procedure even in the cases of rape and incest.
  • This comes as Mich.'s Court of Claims Judge Elizabeth Gleicher ruled on Wed. that the 1931 law - which was superseded by Roe v. Wade - is unconstitutional.
  • Gleicher said the state's due process clause within the state constitution is expansive enough to cover reproduction rights and claimed it "protects the right of all pregnant people to make autonomous health decisions."
  • Gleicher has ordered Mich.'s attorney general, Dana Nessel, to "personally serve" a copy of the decision to all county prosecuting attorneys in the state.

Sources: CNN, PBS NewsHour, NPR Online News, and CBS.

Narratives

  • Right narrative, as provided by The Christian Post. This initiative, along with the judge's ruling, are obvious attempts to reinstate Roe v. Wade in Michigan. Judge Gleicher's bias came into play, as she's reported to be a regular donor to Planned Parenthood. By going against the ruling of SCOTUS it's clear that left-leaning agendas were part of the equation in these decisions.
  • Left narrative, as provided by Planned Parenthood. These recent decisions are critical victories to secure reproductive rights in Michigan in a post-Roe v. Wade environment. This will bring the state closer to protecting a woman's right to choose and ensuring the continuity of healthcare - striking down the archaic 1931 law is just and necessary.

Predictions