Lansing Update: May 10, 2019
Posted May 10, 2019
MCC Brings Catholic Pro-Life Message to Legislature
This week was a significant week for measures that would ban the dismemberment abortion procedure in Michigan. Dismemberment abortion (also known as a dilation and evacuation or D&E) is a type of procedure generally conducted during the second trimester of pregnancy. It involves tearing apart and removing a living baby inside the womb, limb by limb.
On Tuesday, May 7, the House Judiciary Committee approved the House version of the bills (HBs 4320-4321) by a 7-5-1 vote. On Thursday, May 9, Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC) testified on behalf of the Senate version of the bills (SBs 229-230) in the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee. The Senate measures passed by a 5-2 vote. MCC is grateful to the bill sponsors: Representative Pamela Hornberger (R-Chesterfield Twp.), Representative Lynn Afendoulis (R-Grand Rapids Twp.), Senator Tom Barrett (R-Charlotte), and Senator Kim LaSata (R-St. Joseph). Now each of the bill packages will continue to the full floor of their respective chambers.
House Committee Supports Dignity of Life Resolution
Experience and research have shown that abortion hurts women, men, and families. Furthermore, science and basic biology show that abortion destroys a unique human life. This week, the House Judiciary Committee considered House Resolution 23, which declares the importance of protecting the unborn and states that any abortion is a tragic loss of human life. While a small number of states have celebrated abortion without limits, a position that carries very little public support, Representative Jim Lower's (R-Cedar Lake) resolution publicly recognizes the harm that exists behind abortion. While the resolution does not have the binding force of law, it upholds the dignity of unborn life and sends a strong message that promoting and providing alternatives to abortion should be a priority. MCC supports this message. The committee voted 8-5 to move H.R. 23 to the full House with recommendation that it be adopted.
Senate Approves Suicide Prevention Commission Bill
As mentioned in a previous Lansing Update, Senator Jim Runestad (R-White Lake) has introduced Senate Bill 228 to create a Michigan Suicide Prevention Commission. The commission, which would include representatives from a variety of disciplines, would be charged with researching the causes of suicide in this state and presenting recommendations for addressing suicide risk factors. Michigan Catholic Conference supports the measure, which the Senate passed 38-0 this week. SB 228 will now be referred to the House Committee on Health Policy for further consideration.
Happy Mother's Day from MCC
In celebration of Mother's Day on Sunday, May 12, Michigan Catholic Conference offers the following prayers (language adapted from prayer intentions from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops):
- For all mothers (both physical and spiritual): that they be supported and encouraged in their special vocation of love for others.
- For the gift of motherhood: that all might treasure and support God's plan for life and love.
- For all mothers: that their children will honor their many sacrifices by lives of service and virtue.
- For all mothers who await the birth of a child: that the Lord protect all unborn sons and daughters and bring them to a safe delivery.
- For all married couples who are struggling with infertility: that the Lord grant them peace as they hope for the gift of a child.
- For mothers who grieve and mourn: that they find consolation in God's promise of life.
- For religious sisters: that they be granted courage and perseverance in their vocation and that they continue to inspire others with their example.
- For those called to work in the health care profession: that they be granted wisdom to view a women's fertility as healthy and natural.
- For policymakers: that they be granted the wisdom and courage to support programs that protect a woman's healthy and natural capacity to be a mother.
For each of these intentions, we pray to the Lord. Amen.