The state Senate approved legislation on Wednesday to ban partial birth abortions in Michigan, said Sen. John Proos, who voted for the measure.
“I believe that life is precious and must be protected,” said Proos, R-St. Joseph. “The so-called practice of ‘partial birth’ abortion is inhuman and needs to be stopped.”
Senate Bill 160 would outlaw the practice of partial birth abortion in Michigan, unless determined necessary to save the life of the mother. The bill was modeled after the federal Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003, which was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court.
“While the federal government has already prohibited this procedure, I co-sponsored this state ban to enable local and state officials to ensure that an individual who performs this procedure faces the consequences for their illegal actions,” Proos said.
Senate Bill 161 would establish sentencing guidelines for performing or assisting in a partial birth abortion. Individuals convicted of the new felony would face two years in prison.
Both proposals have been sent to the House of Representatives for further consideration.