What Michigan politicians are saying about Roe v. Wade leak, possible abortion ban
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A leaked draft opinion from the Supreme Court on Monday indicated that the nation's high court could overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 case that constitutionally protects access to abortion in the U.S.
Elected officials in Michigan, mostly Democrats, weighed in on the ramifications of Roe being overturned — the state could revert back to a 1931 law which bans abortions in most cases, including rape and incest. The law bans abortion unless done to save the life of the person who is pregnant.
Republicans called the Supreme Court leak into question, saying a leak could harm the court's reputation.
Here is a rundown of how lawmakers and other officials have responded to the Supreme Court leak and the possibility of Roe v. Wade being overturned:
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
"Women are waking up this morning feeling hopeless; but we can’t go back," Whitmer tweeted. "I’m more motivated than ever to keep fighting like hell to ensure abortion remains safe and accessible in Michigan."
More: Whitmer: If Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, I'll fight for Michigan abortion rights
US Rep. Brenda Lawrence
"I can’t stress enough the dangerous effect this will have on women and families across the country," Lawrence, D-Southfield, said in a statement.
"We are already seeing states pass abortion bans to restrict reproductive freedom. And this opinion will only speed that process up. Let me be clear: abortion bans don’t ban abortions, they just ban safe abortions."
"In September 2021, the House voted to pass the Women’s Health Protection Act which would codify the vital protections in Roe v. Wade. It’s time for the Senate to act now to pass this much-needed legislation. We don’t have to wait for the Supreme Court to issue its final ruling, and we cannot sit on the sidelines any longer. Too many lives are at stake. In the meantime, remember: this is a draft opinion, abortion remains legal, and it is still a right.”
US Rep. Debbie Dingell
"If the Supreme Court overturns Roe, no fundamental right in this country will be safe," tweeted Dingell, D-Dearborn.
"Abortion is a choice made by a woman, her doctor, and her faith. Not unelected, unaccountable judges."
State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky
"SCOTUS has made it clear that state legislatures will be the decision makers in protecting abortion access," Pohutsky said in a statement. Pohutsky, D-Livonia, is the chair of the Progressive Women's Caucus in the Michigan Legislature.
"Our task is clear: Amend the state constitution via ballot initiative, overturn the 1931 law and pass the Reproductive Health Act. Abortion is a right, and if we can no longer count on the courts to protect it, we will do it ourselves.”
US Rep. Lisa McClain
"Overturning Roe v. Wade would save millions of innocent, unborn babies. I pray the Supreme Court makes it official and formally overturns this attack on the unborn," tweeted McClain, R-Romeo.
"While I support overturning Roe v. Wade, I'm gravely concerned about the leaking of SCOTUS' deliberations and the clear intimidation tactics of the Left. This leak is unprecedented, and the court needs to be able to go through its normal process before opinions are publicized."
US Rep. Bill Huizenga
"If reports are true and a majority on the Supreme Court have ruled to rectify Roe, it is the correct decision, and I hope they release the majority opinion as soon as it is finalized," Huizenga, R-Holland Township, tweeted.
"This unprecedented leak of a draft ruling is an effort to overtly inject politics into the court itself. This individual should not be celebrated. They should be held accountable for their egregious breach."
Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist
"Make no mistake. (Gov. Whitmer) and I will not stop fighting to ensure that Michiganders have the freedom to make healthcare decisions with their families and providers they trust - without interference from the government," Gilchrist tweeted.
US Rep. Rashida Tlaib
"This will endanger the very people who need access to legal abortion. The Senate must pass the House legislation to codify Roe, #AbolishTheFilibuster, and #ExpandSCOTUS," Tlaib, D-Detroit, tweeted.
"Safe abortions are still legal and we must keep it that way."
US Rep. Tim Walberg
"The SCOTUS leak is a brazen and wholly unacceptable attempt at intimidation. Getting to the bottom of this should be the top priority of the DOJ today to preserve the integrity of the court," Walberg, R-Tipton, tweeted.
"Despite the leak, Roe was always decided incorrectly, and the decision to protect unborn life should be left up to each state."
Contact Arpan Lobo at alobo@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @arpanlobo. Become a subscriber today.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Roe v. Wade Supreme Court draft opinion: What Michigan officials said
