Prolife Legislation: Keeping Informed

The 92nd Legislature is now in full swing in Lansing and prolife legislation is already being introduced by lawmakers. Most of the early bills to be introduced will be those that were considered in the 2001-02 session but did not make it through the entire legislative process.

Already prepared for re-introduction are three bills that would create abortion alternative information offices on college campuses, prohibit medical research using tissue from aborted babies, and creating a “Choose Life” specialty license plate. Other legislative ideas being considered include eliminating abortion coverage from basic health insurance plans and revisiting a state ban on partial birth abortions. Still more ideas being discussed would create patient protections from health care rationing and offering support to families that have experienced a stillbirth late in pregnancy.

The 2002 elections have resulted in a record number of prolife legislators in the state house, with an equally solid majority in the state senate. Most, if not all of the prolife bills could receive favorable action during the two year session. But a crucial and overarching factor must be considered - Michigan no longer has a prolife governor.

Early into this new year there has been no indication of how Governor Jennifer Granholm will respond to any of these bills arriving on her desk. Overcoming a governor’s veto would require a whole new level of grassroots activism and commitment. In order to achieve our legislative goals in 2003-04, prolife citizens can begin now to be prayerful and prepared for action.

In the coming weeks as prolife bills are introduced, summaries of the issues, as well as the actual language of the bills will be accessible through RLM’s website, www.rtl.org. Simply click on the “Legislation” icon and choose “Currently Pending State Legislation” to get the latest information. Or contact the RLM Legislative Office in Lansing at 517-487-3376, or by e-mail at legup@rtl.org.

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