At a campaign rally in Grand Rapids Thursday, national reproductive rights advocates spoke to supporters about ongoing threats to women’s reproductive rights in Michigan.
They say although voters approved an amendment to the state constitution to protect abortion access two years ago, those protections could be at risk.
Mini Timmaraju is the President and CEO of Reproductive Freedom for All.
She says a federal ban on abortions could happen if Democrats lose the majority.
“If we don’t hold or expand the Senate and win the House and White House, we’re in a lot of trouble for reproductive freedom and it could impact - will impact- Michigan.”
Conversely if Democrats can stay in power:
“We have the chance to codify a federal right to abortion in all 50 states and end this nightmare that we’re in.”
Emily Kroll is the PAC Director for Right to Life Michigan and says Democrats are pushing the idea that abortion is at risk in Michigan to scare voters to the ballot box.
“Even if a lawsuit is successful and Proposition 3 is struck out of the Michigan constitution, abortion is still protected in over a dozen places in Michigan law. So, no matter which way you look at it if it’s a legislative action or a court action, nothing at this time can be done because abortion is safe in Michigan, and it is simply not on the ballot this year.”
Issues of reproductive and abortion rights are on ballots and in courts across the country.
A survey by independent polling company KFF found in states with abortion issues on the ballot, it may drive voters to the polls but in Michigan, 60% of women voters say the issue has already been settled.
The poll found this year Michigan women are largely focused on inflation.
