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House Approves New Abortion Rules; No Senate Vote Soon

The state House has voted for sweeping new regulations and insurance requirements on abortion providers. The measures are backed by abortion opponents, and opposed by abortion rights advocates.

The House delayed voting on a ban on most abortions after 20 weeks. But it did pass measures that would require abortion providers to be inspected, and some would have to carry a million dollars in insurance. Clinics would also have to try to determine whether a woman was threatened or coerced into seeking an abortion.

Republican state Representative Bruce Rendon says, “It provides protections for women and for unborn children in very clinical way that I feel is long overdue.”

“These bills pretend to do good things, but end up putting women’s health in danger,” says Democratic state Representative Marcia Hovey-Wright.

Abortion rights advocates like Hovey-Wright say onerous requirements will make it harder for women to access abortion services and other health care, and may force some clinics to shut down.

 

Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987. His journalism background includes stints with UPI, The Elizabeth (NJ) Daily Journal, The (Pontiac, MI) Oakland Press, and WJR. He is also a lifelong public radio listener.
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