Legislation passed both the House and Senate Wednesday banning the procedure commonly known as partial birth abortion, currently banned under Federal Law. Under the legislation, which includes an exemption if the life of the mother is in jeopardy, doctors or other individuals would be guilty of a felony for performing the procedure. Punishment would be up to two years imprisonment and/or fines of up to $50,000.
Amendments to include exemptions in the case of a pregnancy caused by incest or rape, among others, were defeated during significant debate in both chambers.
House Bills 4109 and 4110, sponsored by Representatives Kevin Daley (R-Lum) and Ben Glardon (R-Owosso), respectively, passed the House of Representatives 75-33 with 12 Democrats voting in favor of the measures. Senate Bills 160 and 161, sponsored by Senators Arlan Meekof (R-West Olive) and Goeff Hansen (R-Hart), passed the Senate 29-8 with 3 Democrats joining the Senate Republicans.
Similar legislation was passed in 1996 and signed by former Governor John Engler; however, was subsequently reversed by the court system.