Let’s look at Michigan’s Proposal 3 for November 2022.

First, this is a proposal to change the constitution of our state, not a new law that can be rewritten at a later date. The italicized phrases which follow are the amendment’s texts.

The proposed amendment would: Establish new individual right to reproductive freedom, including the right to make and carry out all decisions about pregnancy… The proposal language omits the word adult. With this proposal minors could seek abortion with no parental consent. Teens can be brought to abortion centers by adult men who have illegally had sex with them, or trafficked them for prostitution, avoiding prosecution for child sexual abuse and human trafficking. There would no reporting, as the amendment would…prohibit prosecution of an individual, or a person helping a pregnant individual, for exercising rights established by this amendment. A minor can also obtain sterilizations, hysterectomies and other permanent, altering procedures and interventions listed in this amendment with no parental counsel or consent. The amendment would invalidate state laws conflicting with this amendment. Michigan’s parental consent law would be voided. Parents, we are the first line of defense for our children. We must be tireless in our protection of children. Abortion facilities, under this proposal could be freed from state inspections and supervision due to the clause forbid state discrimination in enforcement of this right. All consumers of health care deserve clean, safe environments that meet strict standards.

Far from granting reproductive protection to women, our state would surrender the ability to legislatively regulate any protections within the scope of reproductive health of women and girls if this proposal is written into Michigan’s constitution. We can do better than this! Protect our reproductive health. Vote no on Proposal 3.

JACQUELINE FITZGERALD,

Harrisville