News Release: 6th Circuit Decision Sets Precedent for Michigan Legal Birth Law

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 17, 2003

LANSING—Today the Michigan Catholic Conference made the following statement regarding the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision to uphold the State of Ohio’s ban on partial-birth abortion:

“The Michigan Catholic Conference applauds today’s decision by the Sixth Circuit Court to uphold Ohio’s partial-birth abortion ban law,” said Sister Monica Kostielney, R.S.M. “The federal courts have set precedent for the future defense of such necessary and life-saving legislation, which is wonderful news for the State of Michigan and the impending ‘People’s Override’ campaign.”

The Ohio Department of Health reports that 278 partial-birth abortions were performed in 2000 alone. The Department of Community Health reported similar numbers in Michigan in 2002, where 237 late-term abortions were performed.

“Through the courageous efforts of the pro-life movement in our neighboring state, thousands of innocent lives will be saved in the coming years,” said Sister Monica. “Partially-born children in Michigan are now one step closer to being afforded the full rights of our constitution.”

The Michigan Catholic Conference is a supporting member of the STTOP coalition, (Standing Together to Oppose Partial-birth Abortion), which will be kicking-off it’s “People’s Override” campaign in January to end partial-birth abortion in Michigan by enacting the Legal Birth Definition Act.

Michigan Catholic Conference is the official public policy voice of the Catholic Church in this state.

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