LANSING, Mich. (March. 13, 2025) — In January, the Trump administration pardoned 23 anti-abortion activists, including four individuals from Michigan who were convicted in August 2024 for physically blocking access to a Sterling Heights reproductive health clinic in 2020, despite police orders to leave. In response, Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak) introduced legislation to protect the rights and safety of women and families in Michigan.
“Donald Trump loves to talk about law and order, yet he’s pardoned criminals who’ve harassed and attacked women and families simply for visiting their doctor,” said Sen. McMorrow. “My bill ensures that Michiganders are not threatened, blocked, or harmed when making personal decisions about their health and future.”
Senate Bills 154–155 would make it a criminal offense to interfere with access to a health facility that provides reproductive health services, whether through intimidation, physical obstruction or other means. If such interference results in bodily harm or death, it would carry even harsher penalties under the proposed law.
Among the victims of the 2020 incident in Sterling Heights was a married couple seeking necessary medical care after learning their fetus had fatal abnormalities and the wife’s health was at risk.
A similar piece of legislation, House Bill 4133, was introduced by Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia). The Senate version of the bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety for further consideration.
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