Steve Cortes, CNN Political Commentator (left) & Jennifer Wortz, Michigan House Representative (right) | Facebook
Steve Cortes, CNN Political Commentator (left) & Jennifer Wortz, Michigan House Representative (right) | Facebook
State Representative Jennifer Wortz of Quincy expressed strong disapproval following a decision by Michigan Court of Claims Judge Sima Patel. The judge struck down laws that required a 24-hour waiting period and informed consent for abortions.
Wortz, a Republican, stated, "This baseless ruling leaves Michigan women vulnerable to exploitation and coercion, and it will lead to the preventable loss of countless babies’ lives." She emphasized that the previous requirements provided essential information and time for pregnant women before making the decision to undergo an abortion. According to Wortz, these measures were intended to protect women from external pressures such as those from rapists, traffickers, and abusive partners.
She further criticized the ruling by stating, "The people of our state support these commonsense protections for women, and the people’s representatives agreed." Wortz highlighted that a bipartisan majority in the Legislature had opposed efforts to repeal these protections. However, she accused Judge Patel of disregarding public opinion in favor of what she described as "a few out-of-touch activists."
Governor Gretchen Whitmer's reaction to the ruling also drew criticism from Wortz. "I’m especially disturbed to see Gov. Whitmer celebrate this ruling," she remarked, accusing the governor of advocating for more unrestricted access to abortion services.
Despite her disappointment with the court's decision, Wortz vowed not to relent in her efforts: "This latest court opinion is a horrifying setback, but I’ll never give up on protecting the women and babies of Michigan."
A poll conducted in 2023 by Marketing Resource Group revealed that 63% of Michigan voters supported the state's 24-hour waiting period law. This included 65% of voters who backed Proposal 3 in 2022—a ballot initiative aimed at enshrining abortion rights within the Michigan Constitution. Despite assurances from proposal organizers that it would only restore Roe v. Wade at the state level, Judge Patel's decision found existing laws incompatible with Proposal 3.
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