Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is making it quite clear she’s not giving up the fight for the right to abortion, even if it means taking that battle to Michigan’s Supreme Court.
Over a month and a half ago, Whitmer filed a lawsuit challenging the 1931 abortion ban.
“If the Supreme Court does what it looks like they are poised to do, overnight we will go from being a pro-choice state where women have full access to healthcare to a state with one of the most extreme laws in the country,” Whitmer said.
Whitmer now wants the Michigan Supreme Court to decide on the state constitution if women’s rights are protected and if people can make their own choices regarding their bodies.
“Regardless of what happens with SCOTUS, we have an opportunity in Michigan. We’ve seen other states take it. It is time for us to make sure that we secure this right for Michigan women as well,” Whitmer said.
Read more: Whitmer has ‘decent shot’ at challenging Michigan’s 1931 abortion ban, ex-US attorney says
Just recently, six other democratic prosecutors within the state, including Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit filled a brief solidifying their stand with Whitmer.
“In order to stand up and protect the health and safety of our community, we filed this brief saying, ‘look, this is an issue that needs to be decided as possible by the Michigan Supreme Court,’” Savit said.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is standing in complete solidarity with Whitmer.
“I’m not sure whether it’s over at the Supreme Court level, but we’re really lucky to have a governor that’s anticipated this and has taken actions to try to protect our citizens,” Duggan said.
Savit and Whitmer are saying time is of the essence for the state’s Supreme Court to make a ruling as soon as possible.
Related: 100+ rally in Detroit to advocate for abortion rights following leaked SCOTUS opinion
“I know a lot of people thought that’s never gonna happen and a lot of people thought when I filed this lawsuit, it’s not necessary. Obviously, in the last 36 hours, we have seen how serious this is,” Whitmer said.
Signatures are also being collected for a ballot Initiative if Roe v. Wade is actually overturned.