Update, June 16th, 2011
The Michigan House committee is hearing testimony on the legislation that would ban partial birth abortion in Michigan. The Associated Press reports proposals hearings are taking place in the House Families, Children and Senior Committees, while a similar proposal is pending in the Senate.
Do you think Michigan lawmakers will ban partial birth abortion? What are your feelings on this controversial topic?
It's a controversial issue that gets a lot of people fired up: partial birth abortion.
Now, Michigan is talking about banning it.
NBC25 found out those who support abortion and some against abortion do not support this legislation.
Both sides say it won't accomplish anything.
Judy Climer, from Flint Right to Life was asked, "If this bill goes through, how many babies do you think would be saved?" She answered, "None. Abortion will still be legal all nine months. That's the sad part about it."
Sarah Scranton, from Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan says, "This bill will not prevent one single abortion."
Planned Parenthood says the procedure is already illegal federally and therefore would be a redundant law.
Flint Right to Life says if a woman who wants to abort and can't get a partial-birth abortion, she'll find another way to do it.
"I'm not even sure why they're doing this again. I don't know why the focus is not on personhood, which is going to end abortion."
Planned Parenthood also says the focus is mis-directed.
Scranton says, "If the legislators really were interested in ending abortion, then they would be focusing on things that would prevent unintended pregnancies because that's how we know we could reduce the rate of abortion."
Both sides say it's politics as usual that is keeping this topic going.
The legislation is called "Senate Bill 160."
What do you think?
Leave a comment and we may use it on the air.
