Abortion in East Lansing: The cause and effect of Roe v. Wade

by Lauren Talley

The Center for Reproductive Rights offers an interactive map that will tell you what is likely to happen in each state if Roe v Wade is no longer the law of the land

In an era where many presidential votes are determined by anti-abortion sentiments, it’s no wonder that a 33-year-old Supreme Court case is still a hot topic. 

Roe v. Wade – this controversial court case has come to shape political agendas, to further extend the gap between party extremes on the political spectrum and is an issue with few fence sitters.

The right to life versus the right to choice – those seemingly simple statements has made the 1973 case Roe v. Wade one of the most important Supreme Court decisions in American history. 

With the passing of Roe, women receive federal constitutional protection in their right to choose. The law also makes it so states have to ability to set an abortion policy. If Roe were overturned, the courts would return to the old state laws. 

“It would be an open invitation for states to reconsider their previous abortion laws,” said Lori Lamerand, president CEO of Planned Parenthood Mid-Michigan Alliance. 

In Michigan this would mean reverting to the late 1800s law that would make abortion illegal unless it is necessary to preserve the woman’s life. Abortion doctors could be considered guilty of a felony, and if the pregnant women died, the doctor could be charged with manslaughter.

“It’s the first time in the 33 years since Roe v. Wade that we feel as if the case made it to the courts that it could pass,” said Lamerand, “What we know about the philosophical bend of the people President Bush has appointed is that they are not proponents of abortion and if they were presented with a strong enough case, then it’s possible that Roe could be overturned.” 

Last year, South Dakota attempted to do this. The state created a law that directly challenged Roe v. Wade. However, the ban was strongly rejected by voters during the November mid-term elections.

“Had the law been challenged in court, it would likely make its way to the Supreme Court and that's where Roe could be overturned,” Dionne Scott, Senior Press Office for the Center for Reproductive Rights said in an e-mail. 

If Roe were overturned, it could affect women’s health centers. Today, women’s health centers provide many options for women considering abortion. Olin Health Center, Michigan State University’s on campus health care provider, does not perform abortions but does provide informational packets for women considering abortion. Planned Parenthood Mid-Michigan Alliance, which includes the Grand River location in East Lansing, provides women with information and counseling on abortions and some of the locations perform abortions.

Currently Michigan upholds the court ruling and there are differing opinions on what could happen if Roe were overturned. Lamerand speculates that Michigan voters would keep abortion legal. 

“I would expect that pro-choicers would mount a referendum to keep abortion legal (in Michigan),” Lamerand said. 

On the other hand, in a study done by The Guttmacher Institute, a nonprofit organization focused on sexual and reproductive health research, says it is more likely for Michigan to outlaw abortion. 

In the Institute’s study, “What if Roe Fell?” it states that it’s likely that Michigan’s old abortion law would become enforceable almost immediately after Roe was overturned. 

The study concluded that because Michigan has an old law that makes abortion illegal, it is highly possible that if Roe were overturned, Michigan would soon return to the previous law. It also stated that it’s plausible that a new ban would be enacted.

If Roe were to be overturned and abortion became illegal in Michigan, Lamerand says that Planned Parenthood Mid-Michigan Alliance’s abortion services would change. 

“In the meantime, our efforts would be focused on getting women to states where they could receive legal and safe abortions,” Lamerand said.

---