Government

Bills would make it illegal to coerce a woman to have an abortion

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By JASMINE WATTS
Capital News Service
LANSING— A two-bill package that recently passed the Housewould make it a criminal act to coerce a woman into getting an abortion. All of the bill sponsors are Republicans: Reps. Joel Johnson, R-Clare; Bruce Rendon, R-Lake City; Lee Chatfield, R-Levering; Larry Inman, R-Traverse City; and Phil Potvin, R-Cadillac are among the sponsorsl. It now goes to the Senate. One bill would make it illegal to coerce a pregnant woman to have an abortion against her will.

Business & Economy

Lawmakers seek permanent ban on funding Planned Parenthood

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By JOSHUA BENDER
Capital News Service
LANSING – A new bill would make permanent last year’s ban on state funding for abortion providers. Many proponents of the bill want measures ensuring state funds aren’t used to violate what they believe is the public’s consensus on abortion in Michigan. “This bill does not close a single Planned Parenthood or outlaw abortion,” said Genevieve Marnon, public affairs associate at Right to Life of Michigan’s Mid-Michigan Resource Center. “It only addresses the use of state taxpayer dollars.”
Some opponents of the bill argue it would harm the ability of agencies receiving state funds to fulfill their obligations to the public. “This would tie the hands of public health workers in the future should needs arise for family planning in areas where Planned Parenthood can pick up what is needed,” said Amanda West, director of government relations for Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan.