Abortion

Michigan “Super-Bill” Passes House Committee

Since lawmakers were unable to pass abortion restrictions one by one, they've decided to roll them all together and resubmit.

Michigan’s new “super-bill” of abortion restrictions has passed the state house committee, despite objections by medical professionals who see the restrictions as “open season” on providers. The bills, as Angi Becker Stevens explained, will combine TRAP legislation, a so-called “fetal pain” ban, an “anti-coercion” law, a ban on tele-med abortions and even new requirements on how to dispose of “fetal remains.”

The Detroit News reports:

In written testimony, the head of Planned Parenthood Mid and South Michigan said the bills place “burdensome requirements” on women’s health care clinics that only dispense oral abortion medication to upgrade their facilities to handle surgical abortions they do not perform.

“Women rightfully don’t turn to politicians for advice about mammograms, prenatal care or cancer treatments,” said Lori Lamerand, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Mid and South Michigan. “Politicians should not be involved in a woman’s personal medical decisions about her pregnancy.”

The Republican-controlled House Health Policy Committee passed the bills over the objections of physicians who say additional malpractice insurance could force some obstetricians and gynecologists to leave the state.

“It’s open season on us,” said Dr. Matthew Allswede, a Lansing ob/gyn who testified on behalf of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

The bills next head to a full House vote, but may not make it to the floor before the legislature adjourns next week.