A single Democrat in Michigan is threatening to upend her party’s push to loose abortion restrictions in the state.
Rep. Karen Whitsett’s opposition to Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s abortion legislation package stems from Whitmer declaring her endorsement of multiple bills aimed at reducing restrictions on abortion. These measures included the elimination of the mandatory 24-hour waiting period for women to make an informed decision before the procedure and permitting Medicaid funding for abortions.
Whitsett clarified her position on Wednesday, stating that she could not endorse the use of taxpayer funds for abortions. She also emphasized the importance of affording women ample time to make their choices and comprehend the decisions they are making, as reported by The Detroit News.
“I will not vote and fund Medicaid abortions, that’s not gonna happen,” Whitsett said. “I do not think it is too much to ask when someone’s terminating a life, a 24-hour pause to be able to say for sure this is the decision you want to make. 24 hours is not too much.”
Whitsett also stated that she was concerned about diverting funds from Medicaid to abortion because she believes it would limit resources for seniors who are “one prescription drug away from any situation,” according to the outlet.
If Democrats can’t get Whitsett’s vote, the party would then need the support of the remaining 56 members and likely would not pass in the state House unless one Republican votes to approve, The Detroit News noted further. She also said she’s not going to support any legislation that would allow for Medicaid funding of abortions if it also drops the mandatory 24-hour waiting period.
Not surprisingly, the Michigan chapter of Planned Parenthood called the Democratic lawmaker’s remarks a “betrayal” to her voters in a post on the X platform. However, Whitsett said she was actually doing it on behalf of her constituents.
“I didn’t get here to do an easy job,” Whitsett said, The Detroit News reported. “I have a district to represent and it’s diverse. People who I have talked to in the community, this is what they want.”
