12/20/12 - The effects that new abortion-related legislation will have on women across Michigan is being debated locally. Among other things, House Bill 5711 imposes new restrictions and rules on certain facilities that perform abortions, new screening requirements and other provisions for doctors. Opponents call it a backdoor attempt to restrict abortions and regulate abortion clinics out of existence. However, supporters such as Director of Community Outreach Ann OâReilly with Pregnancy Help Clinic in Brighton say the measures keep women safe while making sure medical practices are up to the same expectations as others. She calls the changes common sense, standard requirements for any facility engaged in surgical procedures. She says a separate insurance bill provision allows individuals and businesses to obtain insurance without automatic abortion coverage in it but says nothing stops them from purchasing a rider for the additional coverage. Planned Parenthood Mid & South Michigan President/CEO Lori Lamerand tells WHMI that while the legislation may be less detrimental than originally proposed, it still combines several of the worst attacks on womenâs reproductive freedom and itâs disappointing lawmakers chose to interfere with womenâs comprehensive healthcare at this time. She says instead of matching licensing regulations to whatâs necessary, it did an over-reach. She says the provision lawmakers tacked on the non-related Blue Cross Blue Shield bill is an all-out ban of abortion coverage within routine healthcare policies for women who traditionally have had it. Michigan lawmakers moved quickly to push through the legislation during the lame duck session last week. Republican Governor Rick Snyder is expected to sign it into law. (JM/JK)
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