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Texas SCOTUS case spurs Michigan comparisons

350z33 via Wikimedia | CC BY 3.0

Monday’s Supreme Court decision striking down a portion of Texas law related to abortion clinics spurs comparisons to similar rules in Michigan. 

Lori Carpentier is the president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan.

She says the agency plans a review of state laws surrounding medical providers and reproductive issues following the verdict, which overturned two provisions in Texas law regarding abortion restrictions.

"Specifically, we would be wondering if it would have an effect on the law that requires Michigan abortion providers to meet the standards of Free-Standing Outpatient Facilities – the FSOF. Because it would have some of the same burdens that were struck down in Texas."

On a conference call with reporters, Carpentier said the agency will be taking a "good, hard look" at that Michigan law – or HB5711 of 2012 – but stopped short of saying any legal action is planned.

The Center for Reproductive Rights also cited HB5711 as one of 12 laws across the nation similar to the Texas provisions.

Multiple Michigan organizations and political entities released statements Monday following the court’s decision.

Michigan Republican Party Chairwoman Ronna Romney McDaniel says it "flies in the face of our Constitutional rights," and emphasized the impact of the next President on Supreme Court appointments.

Detractors have said the Texas law was unfairly targeted and medically unnecessary.

Supporters have said the law’s focus was safety.

Hilary is a General Assignment and Enterprise reporter for WGVU Public Media. She joined WGVU in September 2014 after several years of experience as a local news reporter, anchor and photojournalist in Midland, Saginaw and Bay counties. She's also worked as a financial and business reporter and audio field producer.
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