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Editor,

A “yes” vote on Proposal 3 would introduce a right to women’s reproductive freedom into the Michigan Constitution, invaliding a 1931 male driven abortion ban. 

Enforcing the 1931 Michigan ban on abortions would deny Michigan women appropriate, safe, and constitutionally protected medical care, and would endanger the health and lives of people seeking to exercise their constitutional rights. The 1931 ban would also make abortions a felony punishable by up to four years in prison.

In response to misleading criticisms of Proposal 3, I want to offer some clarifications: 

1. Proposal 3 would not effectively nullify any other state laws on abortion — unless prosecutors deem those laws unenforceable or a judge indicates they are unconstitutional! 
2. Proposal 3 allows elected officials to prohibit or otherwise regulate abortion after a fetus reaches “viability,” which is generally considered around 23 to 24 weeks into a pregnancy. 
3. Proposal 3 leaves in place the parental consent requirement for teenagers to seek an abortion!
4. Proposal 3 prohibits the state from penalizing or prosecuting an individual based on “actual, potential, perceived or alleged pregnancy outcomes,” including abortion, miscarriages, and stillbirths. 

Let’s stop using scare tactics regarding Proposal 3.  And no, dentists and masseuses won’t be authorized to give abortions to minors (or adults).

Women should have Reproductive Rights over their own bodies to include prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, contraception, sterilization, miscarriage management and infertility care. 

Please take the time to review the facts regarding this proposal which supports women’s rights.  Vote “Yes” on Proposal 3.

Ken Peterson                                                                                                                                                    MAJ USA (Ret.)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Buchanan