Michigan Senate Considering Bill to Screen Women Seeking Abortions

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The state senate in Michigan is considering legislation that would require women seeking abortions to be screened to determine whether they have been coerced or intimidated into seeking abortion procedures. Michigan Republicans claim the legislation is designed to crack down on domestic violence, a motive doubted by some. The screening would have to take place 24 hours before the procedure is to be performed.

The Michigan house of representatives has already approved the bill. Michigan already has a mandatory waiting period of 24 hours before a woman can obtain an abortion, and healthcare providers in Michigan may refuse to perform abortions on the basis of moral or religious beliefs. Also, state-funded personnel are not permitted to provide abortion referrals.