For the past two weeks, we’ve been discussing Proposal 3 (the “Reproductive Freedom for All” proposal), and how it will amend Michigan’s Constitution to create a startling broad right to abortion.
In Week 1, we learned that the proposal’s broad language (giving the right to “every individual”) authorizes a minor to obtain an abortion without parental consent or notice.

In Week 2, we learned that the same would be true if a minor sought a sterilization procedure, and that the proposal would also authorize partial-birth abortion.

Proposal 3’s supporters say that the State will still be able to regulate abortion “after fetal viability.” But that is grossly misleading. The proposal specifically allows abortion through all nine months of pregnancy— notwithstanding any contrary Michigan law—if an abortionist decides, in his
professional judgment, that an abortion is necessary to protect the “physical or mental health” of the mother. As a legal matter, such a “mental health” exception is widely acknowledged to be so broad as to justify abortion on
demand until birth. An abortionist need merely document that the prospect of having a child is causing extreme anxiety and stress for the mother. And while Proposal 3 supporters say a judge won’t have to allow such a broad exception, the proposal’s language specifically requires courts to defer to the
abortionist’s “professional judgment.”

No matter how a voter feels about abortion, Michigan’s Constitution should not be amended to allow abortion on demand through all nine months of pregnancy. Please tell everyone you know: vote “NO” on Proposal 3 on November
8th.

John Bursch is a constitutional lawyer and former Michigan Solicitor General. Through Alliance Defending Freedom, he represents the Michigan Catholic Conference and Right to Life of Michigan in court to uphold Michigan’s prolife laws.