Michigan advances the Chubby Hubby of anti-choice bills

Michigan Republican State Representative Bruce Rendon has proposed a new “super bill” that would restrict access to abortion in half a dozen different ways, which is why I will henceforth think of it as the Chubby Hubby of anti-choice legislation. Except instead of a whole bunch of delicious things rolled into one yummy ice cream, it’s a whole bunch of shitty anti-choice measures rolled into one awful bill.

At the risk of sounding like Stefon, this bill has everything: state-mandated scripts for doctors that masquerade as faux concern for women who are being coerced into abortion, new TRAP laws to make insurance more complicated and expensive for providers, stricter regulations for clinics, new rules about the disposal of fetal remains that would affect women who have miscarriages as well as abortions, and a new measure requiring the presence of a doctor for a medical abortion in a state where many women rely on tele-med prescriptions because so few counties have a provider on the ground. And, in case that wasn’t enough, a ban on all abortions after twenty weeks except to save the life of the mother. Way to go all in, Michigan

The ACLU of Michigan is calling this “the worst attack on women’s health in Michigan history.” It’s set to go before the House Committee on Health Policy today, and as Angi Becker Stevens notes at RH Reality check, that in itself is a matter for concern, and for quick action:

Additionally troubling is the speed at which HB 5711 appears to be moving through the legislative process. Many of Michigan’s anti-choice bills have languished for months without being brought before a committee… But HB 5711 was introduced on May 31st — ironically, and perhaps not coincidentally, the anniversary of Dr. Tiller’s assassination — and is already scheduled to be discussed by the House committee on health policy on Thursday, June 7th. It is likely that the Republican-majority committee will recommend the bill favorably, and that it will be rapidly headed for a House vote.

So, what can you do? You can read the bill in its entirety, so you know exactly what’s going on up there. You can keep reading Angi’s coverage over at RH Reality Check.

If you’re a Michigan resident, you can use this form, courtesy of the ACLU, to urge your representative to vote against HB5711. And if you’re in a giving mood, you can donate to one of Planned Parenthood’s two Michigan chapters, no matter where you live.