Legislation outlawing partial birth abortions was signed into law today
by Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, said sponsor Senate Majority Floor Leader
Arlan Meekhof.
Sponsored by Meekhof, Public Act 168 of 2011 (Senate Bill 160) outlaws
the practice of partial birth abortion in Michigan, unless determined
necessary to save the life of the mother. The law was modeled after the
federal Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003, which was upheld by the
U.S. Supreme Court.
The other measure, PA 169 of 2011 (HB 4110), establishes sentencing
guidelines for performing or assisting in a partial birth abortion.
Individuals convicted of the new felony would face two years in prison.
The new laws empower local police departments, county prosecutors, and
the Michigan attorney general to enforce this law. Meekhof said that
federal authorities do not have the resources to enforce the federal
law. Supporters have also said they want a state ban in place in case
the federal ban falls apart.
Source: The Holland Sentinel