Michigan Governor Vetoes Abortion Bill

Oct 10, 2003
Michigan Governor Vetoes Abortion Bill
By Amy F. Bailey
Associated Press Writer

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Gov. Jennifer Granholm vetoed a bill on Friday that would effectively ban certain late-term abortion procedures and that opponents say could restrict all abortions.

The bill would have defined the moment a person is legally born as when any part of a fetus is expelled from a woman's body.

The veto by the Democratic governor came a week after the bill won approval in the Senate. It was unclear Friday whether the House and Senate, both controlled by Republicans, would try to override the veto.

Granholm said she vetoed the bill because "federal courts repeatedly have declared unconstitutional efforts to end partial birth abortion."

The governor also said that two organizations representing physicians have opposed the legislation because it does not make an exception for the health of the mother.

Michigan failed twice, in 1996 and 1999, to have courts declare constitutional a ban on the late-term abortions, mostly because exceptions for the health of the mother were not included.

Granholm said she wants to work with Republicans to find ways to reduce demand for abortion, prevent unwanted pregnancies and remove barriers to adoption.

Republican Sen. Michelle McManus, a sponsor of the bill, said she would support all efforts to move forward with the reforms in the legislation.

In a statement Friday night, Michigan Right to Life said the group would work with legislators "to consider available options for overcoming this unjust veto."

Supporters of the bill said it's needed to clarify the beginning of life, which is not spelled out in court decisions about abortion.

Kary Moss, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan, said the governor is appropriately leaving physicians the ability to decide with a woman about what is best for her and the fetus.

This story can be found at: http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGA2S180NLD.html