After over 50 years of legal abortion in America, the U.S. Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade. In Michigan, a 1931 law on the books would make the procedure a felony. Anticipating the federal ruling, Governor Gretchen Whitmer filed a lawsuit in April 2022 in hopes that Michigan's Supreme Court declares abortion rights are protected by the state Constitution.
Below, you can find the latest stories about what the end of Roe v. Wade means legally, politically, and medically for Michiganders.
Top Stories
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State Court of Claims Judge Elizabeth Gleicher ruled Wednesday that the Michigan Constitution’s due process clause is broad enough to include a woman’s right to an abortion.
Jodi Westrick
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Michigan Radio
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Legal Questions
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Jodi Westrick/Michigan RadioThe Michigan Court of Claims granted preliminary injunction in a lawsuit filed by Planned Parenthood of Michigan. The injunction means the state’s 1931 abortion ban would not be enforced immediately if Roe v. Wade is overturned. -
Jodi Westrick/Michigan RadioA judge says Michigan’s 90-year-old abortion law can’t be enforced until courts decide if banning abortion is constitutional. -
Michigan RadioGovernor Gretchen Whitmer filed a lawsuit Thursday challenging the state’s abortion ban that would take effect if Roe v. Wade is overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court. -
Dee DwyerSeven Michigan county prosecutors have said publicly that they won’t prosecute abortion cases, and they've signed onto Governor Whitmer's effort to have the Michigan Supreme Court overturn that law.
Medical Questions
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Erik McGregor/LightRocket via Getty ImagesMany women in the state had no idea that if Roe goes, a 1931 law making abortion a felony would spring into effect. -
Traci Hahn/trac1 - stock.adobe.com/129738451Michigan's law criminalizing abortion would only allow exceptions to "preserve the life" of the woman. But that's a dangerously ambiguous term, medical experts say.
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A series of court rulings Monday have left Michigan abortion providers scrambling, moving appointments, and even asking patients to make plans in other states. -
The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled Monday that a court order blocking enforcement of a 1931 law banning abortion does not apply to county prosecutors. Then, later in the day, that ruling was negated by a lower-court ruling that blocks enforcement again. -
Today, the state Court of Appeals throws new questions into the debate over legal abortion access in Michigan. Plus, the S.S. Badger ditches coal. And, a preview of the GOP primary for governor. -
The judge who blocked enforcement of Michigan’s dormant abortion ban has refused a request to remove herself from the case. The motion was filed on behalf of the state Legislature’s Republican leaders. -
We talk about the Michigan 3rd Congressional District GOP primary between Peter Meijer and John Gibbs. After that we hear about a restaurant owner sticking up for their staff, because the customer is not always right. Then, a researcher explains concerns about a device that reads blood oxygen levels. We end with a discussion around training OB/GYN’s and abortions. -
A petition had circulated before Sunday's white coat ceremony asking the university to remove the speaker, a physician who directs the school's Health, Spirituality and Religion program. -
Michigan medical clinics that provide reproductive services see a sharp uptick in out-of-state patients following the reversal of Roe v Wade. Muskegon Lake is glowing up. Lawn trimming goats work up north. The number of ballot signatures gathered does not necessarily correlate to voter approval. And a conversation with GOP gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon.
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Governor Whitmer issued an executive order last week to block extraditions for abortion-related crimes committed by out-of-state visitors receiving an abortion in Michigan. -
On today's show, former US Attorney Barbara McQuade explains how might interstate extradition work with varying abortion laws among states. Then, we heard about the potential effects of a SCOTUS ruling on tribal jurisdiction in Michigan. Plus, an update into congressional campaign finance and a conversation with GOP gubernatorial candidate Ralph Rebandt.
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A data journalist stops in to discuss period tracking apps and how they can give away users’ data. Then, we talk to an award winning photojournalist about the life he leads as a nature photographer. We hear about a protest of the auto insurance law. Finally, a segment from Interlochen Public Radio about a deadly fungus that is pushing some bats towards extinction.
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Arguments in a legal challenge to abortion restrictions that remain on the books in Michigan opened Thursday before a Michigan Court of Claims judge. The laws are currently blocked by a preliminary ruling from Judge Sima Patel. -
The Thomas More Society, a law firm that opposes abortion rights, asked Trump for 21 of the pardons. The group said the prosecutions were unjust. -
On Monday, President Donald Trump promised to roll back protections for transgender people. And Michiganders who get gender-affirming medical care "are very fearful that they won't be able to get their medications in the future," said Dr. Sarah Wallett of Planned Parenthood of Michigan. -
Today, we talk to Natasha Bagdasarian about the state partnering with the department of health and human services to provide free access to birth control and sexually transmitted disease prevention medication. And, a feature on women stocking up on Plan B in Michigan. -
If your group text right now is all about stockpiling Plan B, you’re not alone. Some Michigan patients are asking for sterilizations, birth control, and gender-affirming care ASAP post-election. -
Today, a Michigander, with family living in Lebanon, shares his experience watching violence unfold from afar. Then, a deeper look into how abortion access may play a part in Michiganders’ attitudes heading to the polls. And in that vein, we turn to the next episode of What The Vote. What does Gen Z have to say about the abortion debate in politics? -
Michigan voters may make a big difference in the presidential election. Here's what we know about candidate plans for the economy, abortion, immigration, Ukraine, Gaza and other issues you care about. -
When the Reproductive Health Care Act passed last year, it contained a little-known provision that’s about to take effect. After this summer’s data drop, Michigan state officials will no longer keep track of abortion care procedures in the state.
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Today, the reason Michigan no longer collects data about abortions happening in the state. We’ll learn about the implications for both pro-life and pro-choice advocates.
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A report on Michigan's law requiring parental consent for teens to access abortion care, a preview of the Freep Film Fest this weekend, the environmental importance of vernal pools during spring, and an up close encounter with a rare and stinky plant