The Michigan Legislature on Wednesday repealed a 1931 law that criminalized abortion drugs in the state.
HB 4006 passed the state House 58-50 on March 2 and the state Senate 20-18 less than a week later. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer is expected to sign the bill.
“Today’s repeal of this antiquated law is a victory for millions of Michigan residents who, like me, value physical integrity and personal freedom,” Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a news release. He expressed gratitude that the state legislators were listening to their constituents, whose votes were successfully passed Proposition 3 In November, the state constitution included abortion.
The bill repeals section 750.14 of the Michigan Penal Code which makes it a felony to administer drugs to induce “abortion”, except in instances where the life of the pregnant person is in danger. This offense is punishable by up to four years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine.
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In addition, the bill repeals section 750.15, which makes the advertising or sale of abortion-inducing drugs, a criminal misdemeanor.
The bill was originally introduced in mid-January by state Rep. Lori Pohutsky, Democrat of Michigan’s 17th District.
“The people of this state can rest assured that their elected officials will not sit idly by in the wake of the overturning of Roe v. Wade and will fight to ensure the health, safety and well-being of residents from harmful laws,” Nessel said, referring to federal abortion rights. Which was canceled by the Supreme Court in June last year.
In September, a Michigan court ruled unconstitutional after Roe v. Wade overturned the 1931 law, which allowed the legal collection of abortion-inducing drugs in the state.
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