6/28/22 - The Kent County Prosecutor Won't Ignore The Law

The Kent County prosecutor Chris Becker, said he does not feel he could ignore Michigan’s 1931 ban on performing abortions.

On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide.

Now, states can again choose to ban it. Michigan has such a ban on the books, which outlaws doctors performing abortions under most circumstances, but that ban is currently in legal limbo. A state judge put a hold on enforcement while a challenge from Planned Parenthood works its way through the state court system. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, has challenged the law, too.

Other groups have challenged Planned Parenhood's case.

The Kent County prosecutor has issued a statement about the enforcement of a 1931 law that would effectively ban and criminalize abortion in the state of Michigan. Prosecutor Christopher Becker said Monday that he is seriously considering the law as a "validly passed statute."

He also referenced pending legislative and ballot action — a Republican state representative from Three Rivers has introduced a bill to the Legislature that would strengthen Michigan’s abortion ban, while there is also a petition being circulated to amend the Michigan Constitution to enshrine reproductive rights, including to an abortion.

“I will abide by whatever laws are passed by the legislature or by voter initiative down the road,” Becker wrote. “That is the proper role of a prosecutor. “At this time, however, there is a validly passed statue which has been upheld by the Court of Appeals in the past and I will not turn a blind eye and ignore it,” he continued. “To do so in my opinion would be improper.”