2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
1993
1992
1991

1931–1990

1931
A post-viability abortion ban (Public Act 323 of 1931) is enacted. Any person who intentionally causes an abortion that is not necessary to preserve the woman’s life is guilty of manslaughter if the abortion occurs after “quickening.” This is a recodifying of an 1846 law. In 1973, Larkin v Cahalan (108 NW2d 176) said the 1931 law is constitutional as applied to pre-viability abortions necessary to preserve the woman’s health and no gestational age for viability was established.

A ban on all abortions (PA 328 of 1931) is enacted. Pre-Roe v Wade, Michigan banned all abortions except to save the life of the mother. In 1973, People v Brickner (389 MI 524) upheld parts of the laws not overturned by Roe, such as allowing only physicians to perform abortions. The 30th Judicial Circuit Court for the County of Wayne ruled in People v Higuera (1997) that the old law is unconstitutionally vague. The state has appealed the case.

1972
Voters reject a ballot proposal that would have legalized abortion during the first three months of pregnancy. The vote is 1.96 million to 1.27 million.

1973
The U.S. Supreme Court issues the Roe v Wade decision on January 22. Legal abortion can now be obtained in medical facilities in Michigan under certain circumstances.*

1975
The Michigan Legislature passes a bill that includes a prohibition on using state money for abortions but Attorney General Frank Kelley rules the bill unconstitutional.

1977
The U.S. Supreme Court upholds the Hyde amendment, thus ruling that states are not obligated to pay for non-therapeutic abortions. Governor William Milliken and the Department of Social Services (DSS) decide that Michigan will continue to fund Medicaid abortions with state money. The Legislature passes a resolution for a national convention that would draft an anti-abortion amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

1978
Governor Milliken signs the first five of his 11 vetoes on the Medicaid-funded abortion issue. The vetoed bills would have banned Medicaid-funded abortions or limited payment in the DSS budget to $1. The Legislature enacts legislation requiring the Michigan Department of Public Health (MDPH) to report annually on the number of abortions in the state, the age and marital status of women or girls who obtain abortions and the number who have complications.

A conscience-based exemption is enacted. PA 368 of 1978 (333.20181-84) stipulates that no hospital, institution, teaching institution, or health facility may be required to participate in an abortion, permit an abortion on its premises or admit a woman for the purpose of performing an abortion. Additionally, a physician, nurse, medical student, student nurse or other individual is not required to participate in abortions or give advice about abortions.

1979
An Ingham County Circuit Court judge rules that the Governor overstepped his authority by vetoing the legislation. The Michigan Court of Appeals overturns the decision and legislators appeal to the Michigan Supreme Court. The Governor vetoes an additional anti-Medicaid funding bill.

1980
The Michigan Supreme Court refuses to hear the appeal of the 1979 case. Governor Milliken vetoes two more anti-Medicaid funding bills. The Senate votes to override the veto but the House attempt is nine votes short.

1981
Governor Milliken vetoes two more attempts to prohibit Medicaid funding of abortions.

1982
The Senate overrides the Governor's 1981 veto, but the House falls three votes short. Before Governor Milliken leaves office he vetoes another anti-Medicaid funding bill.

1983
Governor James Blanchard vetoes two attempts to ban Medicaid funding. There are no override votes.

1984
The Senate overrides the 1983 veto to ban Medicaid funding, but the House falls one vote short.

1985
There are two override attempts, one in March and one in October. Both fall two votes short in the House.

1986
Language prohibiting Medicaid-funded abortions is attached to the entire Medicaid section of the DSS budget bill. Governor Blanchard vetoes it and an override attempt falls six votes short in the House.

The Medicaid budget is continued to March 15, 1987 and a special Senate-House panel is set up to review the issue and report by February 14, 1987.

1987
The Legislature passes Senate Bill 36, which extends the Medicaid budget through the end of the fiscal year, and dissolves the special joint panel. Governor Blanchard vetoes the line-item prohibiting Medicaid-funded abortions.

Right to Life of Michigan presents 395,751 valid signatures to the State Board of Canvassers for an initiative petition prohibiting the use of state funds for Medicaid abortions. The petition is certified and sent to the House and Senate for action. The Senate and House pass the initiative petition, PA 59 of 1987, by a simple majority vote which the Governor cannot veto. The two-thirds vote necessary for immediate effect is not achieved. The Michigan Supreme Court rules that the initiated law is not effective until April 1, 1988.

1988
The People's Campaign for Choice completes a petition drive to challenge PA 59 of 1987 with a referendum on the November 1988 ballot. The implementation of PA 59 is delayed because the petitions were filed prior to April 1, 1988. The Board of Canvassers certify the petitions and language to appear on the November 1988 ballot.

PA 59 of 1987: The proposal to ban Medicaid funded abortions is supported by a majority of Michigan voters on November 8, 1988. The ban begins December 12, 1988. Before the ban, it was estimated the state paid $6 million per year for 18,500 abortions.

1989
The U.S. Supreme Court's decision on Webster v Reproductive Health Services is announced July 3. The Court provides states with new authority to limit a woman's right to an abortion but stops short of reversing its 1973 Roe v Wade decision. The opinion upholds the constitutionality of a Missouri law banning abortions in public hospitals and clinics and requiring doctors to perform tests for fetal viability at 20 weeks gestation.

1990
On February 23, 1990 Governor James Blanchard vetoes Enrolled House Bill 5103, requiring parental consent for minors to obtain an abortion.

However, Michigan Right to Life (under the auspices of Citizens for Parents' Rights) launches another initiative petition drive and gathers 332,000 signatures. The initiative is approved by a majority of the legislators to become PA 211 of 1990 in September. The law takes effect in 1991.

* Italics indicate federal actions which affect Michigan law

NOTE: Green text indicate the effective date of Michigan Public Acts

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