Michigan's recent attempt to ban abortion is blocked

Five Michigan abortion clinics and a doctor filed a complaint in federal court on February 1, 2000, challenging the state's ¿Live Infant Protection Act¿, the state's recent attempt to ban virtually all abortions. The ban is scheduled to go into effect on March 10th, 2000. The ban was passed during Michigan's latest legislative session ending in December 1999. The broad language of the ¿Live Infant Protection Act¿ would outlaw virtually all abortion methods performed throughout pregnancy--beginning as early as 8 weeks. In addition, the extreme nature of the ban fails to contain any health exceptions to protect the woman and threatens doctors who violate the statute with life imprisonment and a US$50,000 fine. Plaintiffs in the case of Womancare of Southfield, P.C., et al vs. Granholm (No. 00-705-85) are represented by Janet Crepps and Linda Rosenthal of CRLP, and local cooperating attorney Tracie Dominique Palmer of Detroit, Michigan.