Michigan Senate Bill SB0476

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/7/23
• Refer: 9/7/23
• Report Pass: 10/18/23
• Refer: 10/18/23
• Report Pass: 10/19/23
• Engrossed: 10/24/23
• Refer: 10/24/23
• Enrolled: 11/7/23
• Chaptered: 12/29/23
• Passed: 12/29/23

Caption

Health: abortion; born alive infant protection act; amend to update definition of abortion. Amends sec. 1 of 2002 PA 687 (MCL 333.1071). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0474'23

Impact

If enacted, SB 476 will have significant implications for healthcare providers and abortion laws in Michigan. The updated definitions will clarify procedures that medical practitioners must follow in the case of live births resulting from abortion attempts. Critics argue that this bill could impose additional burdens on medical practitioners and limit access to abortion services, making it more difficult for women to make healthcare decisions regarding pregnancies.

Summary

Senate Bill 476, known as the Born Alive Infant Protection Act, amends the Michigan Public Act 687 to clarify the state's definitions related to abortion and the responsibilities concerning newborns who are born alive following an abortion procedure. This legislation establishes a clear definition of 'abortion' and the criteria that classify a live birth under Michigan law, which includes any sign of life post-expulsion, such as breathing or a heartbeat. The bill indicates that it does not take effect unless another bill, SB 474, is also passed into law, indicating a tie-in approach to legislative action.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 476 is highly contentious, reflecting the broader national debate on abortion rights. Supporters, often aligned with pro-life advocacy groups, advocate for the bill as a necessary measure to protect the lives of newborns, asserting that it provides critical protections at a vulnerable juncture. Conversely, opponents, including women's health advocates, express concern that the legislation undermines the rights and autonomy of women, framing it as a governmental overreach into personal medical decisions about reproductive health.

Contention

Several notable points of contention have emerged from discussions on SB 476. Critics point out that the definitions outlined in the bill may lead to confusion and legal challenges for healthcare providers. Additionally, the tie-bar with SB 474, which is also related to abortion, raises concerns about the strategic implications of such legislative moves, where one bill's passage could hinge on the intertwining of contentious issues. The potential impact on how abortion services are provided and the rights of both parents and medical professionals are central to these debates.