Republican Michigan state Rep. Josh Schriver wants abortion to be classified as murder. He has introduced a two-bill package in the Legislature to accomplish that goal in what is likely to be an uphill battle.
Michigan voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2022 upholding an individual's "right to reproductive freedom" and that the state may not prosecute anyone for pregnancy outcomes, including "miscarriage, stillbirth, or abortion."
Schriver posted, however, there are realities involved. "Killing a mother with child in her womb is a double homicide. Killing the child in her womb (abortion) must be a single homicide."
He characterized his legislation as the "justice for babies in the womb act." The bills would revise definitions in homicide, assault and battery, and assault cases to include "an unborn child in the same manner as they would if the victim were an individual who had been born alive."
Abby Johnson, a former Planned Parenthood clinic director who is now a vocal opponent of abortion, posted, "Another equal protection bill has been introduced in Michigan by @JoshuaSchriver and needs your support!! It's time to make our voices heard!!! Abortion is murder!"
The two-bill package has been sent to the Michigan House Judiciary Committee for initial review. Republicans control the state House, but Democrats control the state Senate and the governor's office, making approval of the legislation unlikely.
A June 2024 release on the State of Michigan website from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer describes her as "Still Fighting Like Hell to Protect Reproductive Freedom in Michigan."
Jim Mishler ✉
Jim Mishler, a seasoned reporter, anchor and news director, has decades of experience covering crime, politics and environmental issues.
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