LANSING — Legislation to revise the manner in which abortion clinics dispose of fetal remains was approved by the Michigan Senate on Thursday, said Sen. John Proos, who voted for the measures.
“Life is a gift that should be protected and cherished,” said Proos, R-St. Joseph. “That is why I was shocked and disgusted when I heard about a situation in Michigan where a medical clinic was disposing of baby remains by throwing them into the trash. This practice is unsafe, unsanitary and immoral.”
Senate Bill 25 would establish requirements for the proper disposal of fetal remains. Under a companion measure, SB 54, physicians would be required to inform parents that state law mandates them to decide how the remains would be handled.
Violators of the proposed laws would face a civil penalty of up to $1,000 for improperly disposing of fetal remains.
The bills were introduced after baby remains were found in the dumpster of a Lansing area abortion clinic. The incident has been under investigation by the proper authorities. Based on current state law, however, no charges have been brought against the clinic.
Both proposals have been sent to the House of Representatives for further consideration.