on Tuesday, Judge censured in Michigan Some of the state’s restrictions on abortion access, including a mandatory 24-hour waiting period, have been lifted. This decision 19 Months After the electorate Abortion rights added It will be included in the state constitution in November 2022.
Michigan was one of the first states to protect abortion access at the ballot box after the Supreme Court’s decision. Federal abortion protections overturned In Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization in 2022. But some abortion restrictions in the state have remained in law for much longer, serving as a warning to other states with similar voting patterns. The election results might not be as clear-cut as you think.
This year, there are about 1,000 voters. 12 more statesSeveral states could hold votes on abortion, including Missouri. Here, as in most states, a potential ballot measure would add abortion protections to the state constitution.
Abortion is banned in Missouri under nearly every circumstance. Dobbs But the procedure was largely phased out many years ago because of a number of laws designed to make abortions rare. These laws are sometimes called “targeted regulation of abortion providers” or TRAP laws.
As of 2021, the last full year before Dobbs Missouri’s ban opened the door for the state to record only 150 Abortion, down 5,772 in 2011,
Even if Missouri voters add abortion protections to the state constitution this year, state laws like 72 hour waiting period And Minimum Dimensions Rules for procedure rooms and hallways in clinics that provide abortions will remain in place.
Under a Republican-controlled legislature and governor’s office, such laws will likely not be overturned legislatively. But they will certainly face legal challenges, which could take some time.
For example, the lawsuit in Michigan that led to Tuesday’s ruling was filed 15 Months The decision came after voters added abortion protections to the state constitution.
There was a purpose to this delay, so to say. elizabeth smithState Policy and Advocacy Director Reproductive Rights CenterWho filed the suit: This gave the Democratic-led legislature time to act. It is often more effective to change laws through the legislature rather than through lawsuits because courts can only strike down a law, not change it.
Michigan passed a resolution Abortion rights package it was Signed into law by the state’s Democratic governor, Gretchen Whitmerin December, but the package left some rules intact, including mandatory waiting periods, mandatory counseling and a ban on abortions by non-doctor practitioners such as nurse practitioners and midwives.
anti-abortion activists such as Katie Danielstate policy director Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life AmericaMichigan is criticizing the lawsuit and efforts to end such a policy.
“The lawsuit proves that these amendments go far beyond what they could ever admit in a 30-second ad,” Daniel said.
Of the seven states that voted on abortion DobbsOhio is probably most similar to Missouri politically.
Last year, the Ohio Attorney General Dave YostAnti-abortion Republicans say amendment must be passed to protect abortion rights will reverse at least 10 State Laws Limiting abortion.
Voters passed the measure by a near majority vote. 57 percent of the voteBut most state laws — including a 24-hour waiting period and a 20-week abortion ban — continue to govern Ohio health providers.
This article is not available for syndication due to republishing restrictions. If you have questions about the availability of this or other material for republishing, please contact [email protected],
abortion-ballot-measures-wont-automatically-undo-existing-laws-kff-health-news
