The Michigan Values Life coalition, which includes groups like Michigan Right to Life and the Michigan Catholic Conference, is organizing a petition to enact legislation in the state which would end dismemberment (D&E) abortions. The petition drive asks legislators to amend the current partial-birth abortion ban to also include dismemberment abortions.

Also known as dilation and evacuation abortion (D&E), dismemberment abortion is most commonly committed during the second trimester, between 13-24 weeks gestation. It is a horrific process that involves actually dismembering preborn babies limb from torso in the mother’s womb. According to the Michigan Values Life campaign, there were 1,908 D&E abortions in the state in 2018.

In a September 30 press release, Michigan Right to Life announced that it has collected 200,000 signatures since the drive began on June 26. The group needs 340,047 signatures to meet its goal to initiate the new legislation.

READ: Ambulance called to Michigan abortion facility for life-threatening injury

“We are thankful for all the dedicated volunteers circulating petitions, and we are confident our incredible volunteers will collect the required number of signatures,” said Michigan Right to Life president Barb Listing.

Michigan’s constitution allows citizens to initiate legislation if enough signatures are gained through a petition. One advantage to this approach is that the bill’s language cannot be altered by the legislature, and, once passed by the House and the Senate, it cannot be vetoed by the governor.

Earlier this year, legislators in both the House and Senate did pass a bill banning D&E abortions, but Governor Gretchen Whitmer has promised to veto any anti-abortion legislation that crosses her desk. With the petition drive, pro-lifers in the state are taking pre-emptive measures to ensure the bill does become law. If enough petitions are gained, it is expected that legislators will stick to their earlier voting records and again pass the D&E ban, scoring a big victory for Michigan pro-lifers.

According to information on the coalition’s website, they expect to continue to accept signatures until mid-November. If you are a Michigan resident and would like to participate in this initiative, find more information here.

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