Proposal 3 is Deceitful and Appalling -- VOTE NO!

Those supporting Proposal 3 say that it will “Restore Roe in Michigan” and that it is a “middle-ground solution”. This is a lie. The proposed amendment will extend far beyond Roe. The language that will appear on November’s ballot is a watered down version of what the proposed amendment actually states.

Shockingly, the language of this amendment changes our common definition of “viability.” Most of us consider 22-24 weeks the point at which a child is “viable.” However, the exact language states “’Fetal viability’ means: the point in pregnancy when, in the professional judgement of an attending health care professional and based on the particular facts of the case, there is a significant likelihood of the fetus’s sustained survival outside the uterus without the application of extraordinary medical measures.” Forget preemies in the NICU requiring “extraordinary medical measures” --- based on this new definition, “fetal viability” now becomes something closer to 8 or 9 months gestation! This means abortion may occur for any reason at nearly any time during a pregnancy.

Further, this new definition opens the door to infanticide (yes, infanticide). It is not clear whether babies born at 40+ weeks and requiring “extraordinary medical measures” can be legally terminated. This includes many special needs children and even babies born with congenital anomalies. Again, the vague and confusing language opens the door to horrifying realities.

“Every individual has a fundamental right to reproductive freedom, which entails the right to make and effectuate decisions about all matters relating to pregnancy, including but not limited to prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, contraception, sterilization, abortion care, miscarriage management, and infertility care.” Who doesn’t want the freedom to make their own decisions about prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum, miscarriage, and infertility care? Ah, but there’s more! Notice the words “individual” and “sterilization”. Does this mean that children of all ages have the unobstructed right to obtain puberty blocking drugs and/or gender affirming surgery without parental involvement? If you flinch at the idea of your son/daughter/grandchild/niece/nephew receiving treatment without parental knowledge, your vote should be “NO” on Proposal 3.

The amendment reads “Nor shall the state penalize, prosecute, or otherwise take adverse action against someone for aiding or assisting a pregnant individual in exercising their right to reproductive freedom with their voluntary consent.” This looks like a loophole for abortion clinics to lessen standards without penalty. If a pregnant woman is severely harmed (or even killed) during an abortion due to gross negligence, can we prosecute the physician or other healthcare workers involved? Abortion is not something most of us want to celebrate. Compassion is always a necessity for women who feel that there is no other option. Sending women to an unsanitary office with untrained professionals DOES happen (Google “Kermit Gosnell”). Can’t we all agree that abortion clinics should be regulated and safe for women?!

All 50 states allow for exceptions when the life of the mother is at risk. There is not a single law (or serious politician for that matter) proposing to prosecute a mother for miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, or other life threatening complication. In 1963, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled that women who have an abortion cannot be charged and are not guilty. In addition, Michigan law explicitly defines abortion as not including miscarriage.

8 out of 12 articles in the Michigan Constitution will be altered or repealed (in part) if this is passed. It is an AMENDMENT. It is very difficult (some say impossible) to reverse course. Existing laws and regulations cannot overcome an AMENDMENT to the CONSTITUTION.

If the 1931 law is too restrictive for you, let’s work together in a way that doesn’t eradicate good laws for the health and safety of women in the process. This is a very complex and human issue deserving full debate and discussion. I’m simply providing quotes from the ACTUAL TEXT of the proposed amendment and how it can be interpreted by the courts (which will take YEARS of litigation). Before you vote: Read the FULL TEXT of this proposed amendment (NOT THE BALLOT LANGUAGE!!!) Do your research and understand how this cleverly worded amendment could have far reaching consequences. It is deceitful and appalling. Vote NO on PROPOSAL 3!

Respectfully,

Alainna Walsh
Lyndon Township