Michigan’s abortion rights battle rakes in cash ahead of referendum

While five states introduced abortion-related measures in November, including California, Kentucky, Montana and Vermont, Michigan’s measure will have the most immediate impact. If passed, the measure would add language to the state constitution guaranteeing the right to abortion, as well as contraception and other reproductive health services. If that fails, the 1931 law, which is still on the books, could go back into effect, although it is currently blocked in court.

Both sides of the campaign spent millions on television ads, each warning of dire consequences for the state if their side lost. The Abortion Rights Campaign Tells Michiganders that without a ballot initiative, patients would not be protected from state interference in their health care, including in cases of life-threatening pregnancy complications.

Abortion rights groups have argued in their filings that the constitutional amendment would eliminate all restrictions on abortion in the state, including laws requiring parental consent for minors — an argument contested by Democrats and some legal experts. The anti-abortion campaign’s arguments hinge on the wording of the proposed amendment, which guarantees the right to an abortion to any “person,” not an “adult.” Attorney General Dana Nessel and others called it misinformation, noting that many constitutional rights guaranteed to all are limited to minors.