Big victory for Michigan's Proposal 3 in favour of abortion rights

Michigan has voted for abortion rights to remain with a YES to Proposal 3, the amendment that allows reproductive rights to the state's constitution. Around 85 per cent of the votes were counted by 8:20 am (local time), giving a 55.5 per cent heads up to supporting Proposal 3. With this, medical access to abortion in Michigan stands confirmed.

Earlier, the Row vs. Wade was turndown by the Supreme Court, declaring that it is no more a federal responsibility. The development paved the way for states to decide for themselves about abortion. All reproductive services would be allowed in Michigan subsequently, including parental consent for children below the age of eighteen. Vermont and California had already voted for abortion rights to be in place in the states on Tuesday.

Both sides of the divide, for and against abortion, spent a lot of money on their respective campaigns, making it the most expensive race in Michigan. $57 million was raised by both sides, out of which the pro-abortion side raised $40.2 million.




Opponents of Proposal 3 included the Catholic Church and a group called Right to Life of Michigan. The “naysayers” argued that parental consent for minors would be eroded due to this enactment, whereas abortion rights said that especially this aspect would remain. The doctor’s guild supported abortion rights on the grounds of required medical care.

FAQs:

1. When will the constitutional amendment be affected?
   Forty-five days after the elections.
2. Who won the Congressional race in Michigan?
   Democrats. The 1931 law banning abortion would have declared the act a felony and attracted a prison sentence of up to four years or a $5000 fine.