Legislative Roundup: Gov. Snyder Signs Partial-Term Abortion Legislation Into Law

Legislation banning the procedure commonly referred to as partial-birth abortion was signed into law by Gov. Snyder this week.

The legislation, which was approved by an overwhelming majority of lawmakers, mirrors a 2003 federal ban on the procedure that was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2007.

“The people of Michigan have repeatedly spoken on this issue and this legislation reaffirms the value of human life,” Snyder said in a press release.

State Rep. Mark Ouimet (R-Scio Township) said he applauds the legislation.

"The new state laws banning this procedure now more closely mirror federal statutes, which brings more uniformity and cohesiveness to our overall court system. I'm especially pleased this important legislation received bipartisan support," Ouimet said.

In 2003, state lawmakers approved the Legal Birth Definition Act, but the legislation was vetoed by former Gov. Jennifer Granholm. Voters then approved an initiative to ban partial-birth abortion in 2004, but the U.S. 6th Circuit Court ruled the ban unconstitutional and the U.S. Supreme Court refused to review the decision.

The law makes performing a partial-birth abortion or assisting in the procedure a felony punishable by up to two years imprisonment or a $50,000 fine.  A woman who undergoes the procedure would not face criminal charges under the law.