This November, Michigan voters will be asked to consider Proposal 3 (the “Reproductive Freedom for All” proposal), which would amend Michigan’s Constitution to make abortion a fundamental right. As Catholics, we recognize that “Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception.” (CCC 2270). That is because every person is wonderfully made in the image and likeness of God and is therefore of immense worth. But we must also help our family members, friends, and neighbors understand that Proposal 3 goes much farther than merely restoring Roe v. Wade’s abortion regime. In fact, Proposal 3 invalidates more than two dozen Michigan pro-life laws and has many startling consequences. For example, the proposal grants a fundamental right to reproductive freedom to “every individual”—with no age limits. So on its face, the proposal authorizes a minor to obtain an abortion without parental consent or even notice, even though a parent’s consent is always required to dispense medicine or perform the most routine medical procedure for a minor. Proposal 3 supporters say that courts can put limits on this broad language. But that’s not true. A judge interpreting the Michigan Constitution must apply the words that the Constitution contains, and that means courts will be required to give effect to the broad phrase “every individual.” No matter how a voter feels about abortion, Michigan’s Constitution should not be amended to strip parents of their right to be consulted before a minor child makes the serious decision to take her baby’s life. Please tell everyone you know: vote NO on Proposal 3 on November 8.
A link to the full text of the proposal is here.
(Main article composed by John Bursch, a constitutional lawyer and former Michigan Solicitor General. Through Alliance Defending Freedom, he represents the Michigan Catholic Conference and Right to Life of Michigan in court to uphold Michigan’s pro-life laws.)