Michigan Abortion Ban Repealed: Whitmer Signs Bill, Axes 1931 Law

MICHIGAN — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation Wednesday repealing a nearly century-old law banning abortions in Michigan.

The legislation, which narrowly passed the Michigan House and Senate, repeals the state's 1931 abortion ban law, which made it illegal for doctors to perform abortions except to save the life of the mother. The legislation also eliminates penalties for advertising or publishing about abortion, or providing drugs for the purpose of procuring an abortion.

"In November, Michiganders sent a clear message: we deserve to make our own decisions about own bodies," Whitmer said. "I will continue to use every tool in my toolbox to support, protect, and affirm reproductive freedom for every Michigander, and I’ll work with anyone to make Michigan a welcoming beacon of opportunity where anyone can envision a future."

The state's 1931 law banning abortion was triggered into law after the U.S. Supreme Court threw out the landmark decision Roe v. Wade, which guaranteed a woman's right to an abortion.

Numerous Michigan judges blocked immediate enforcement of the law until Michiganders overwhelmingly passed proposal 3 in November's elections, rendering the 1931 abortion ban unconstitutional.

Michigan joins 12 other states who have moved to protect reproductive freedoms and access to safe, legal abortion in the wake of Dobbs v. Jackson. Ten other states have "expanded access" to abortion care, while numerous others have either not taken any steps to protect abortion access, or are actively trying to limit or eliminate such access.