Abortion

Democrats and Planned Parenthood Leaders Respond to Michigan’s Anti-Choice “Super-Bill”

Michigan House Democratic floor leader Kate Segal and Planned Parenthood of Michigan respond to the anti-choice "super-bill," quickly becoming known as one of the most extreme pieces of anti-choice legislation in the country.

Michigan House Democratic floor leader Kate Segal. (img src)

Michigan House Democratic floor leader Kate Segal issued a statement Friday in response to the anti-choice “super-bill,” HB 5711, quickly becoming known as one of the most extreme pieces of anti-choice legislation in the country.

In her statement, Segal, who is also a member of the committee on health policy, took a firm stance against the bills:

“This is just another example of how out-of-touch and extremist politicians are declaring a War on Women in order to appease their special interest donors. I will fight this unconscionable attempt to criminalize doctors, restrict women’s rights, and turn a legal and safe medical procedure into one that is difficult to provide, difficult to obtain and dangerous to women.”

Rep. Segal’s views, however, are not necessarily shared by all Michigan Democrats in the House. Of the 7 Democrats on the committee for Health Policy, 5 voted against the legislation, one abstained (Rep. George Darany), and one voted in favor (Rep. Lesia Liss) of the unprecedented restrictions. When the separate “anti-coercion” legislation passed the state house recently, it did so by a a vote of 72-37, a wider margin than the Republican/Democrat split of 63-47.

Planned Parenthood of Michigan has organized a protest for Tuesday’s House Session, where a vote on the “super-bill” is expected to occurr. Opponents of the bill are encouraged to arrive at the Capitol no later than 1 pm, to be present when the House session begins at 1:30.