Michigan House Bill HB4108

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/15/23
• Refer: 2/15/23

Caption

Health: abortion; abortion care after fetal viability; prohibit under certain circumstances. Creates new act.

Impact

The implications of HB 4108 are significant, as it introduces restrictions on abortion access based on the stage of fetal development. It asserts that abortions may only be performed post-viability if deemed medically necessary by a licensed healthcare provider to protect the pregnant individual's life or health. This can potentially limit options for individuals seeking abortions and may lead to legal challenges regarding the interpretation and application of 'medical necessity' and 'healthcare professional judgment.'

Summary

House Bill 4108 seeks to regulate the practice of abortion in Michigan by prohibiting the procedure after a fetus reaches the point of 'fetal viability.' Defined in the bill, fetal viability refers to the gestational age at which there is a significant likelihood of the fetus's sustained survival outside of the womb without extraordinary medical measures. This legislative move aims to align state law with current medical understandings as defined by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists regarding the viability of a fetus.

Contention

The discussions surrounding HB 4108 suggest a divisive public opinion. Proponents argue that the bill not only upholds the state's interest in protecting potential life but also conform to medical guidelines regarding fetal viability. Critics, on the other hand, contend that the bill undermines personal autonomy and poses a threat to reproductive rights, potentially forcing individuals to carry non-viable pregnancies to term in situations where their health may be at risk. Such tensions highlight the broader societal debates around abortion access and women’s rights.