the Voice of
The Communist League of Revolutionary Workers–Internationalist
“The emancipation of the working class will only be achieved by the working class itself.”
— Karl Marx
the Voice of
The Communist League of Revolutionary Workers–Internationalist
“The emancipation of the working class will only be achieved by the working class itself.”
— Karl Marx
Jun 18, 2012
A bill that could result in the closure of most Michigan clinics performing abortions was passed with support from all House Republicans and from six Democrats in a rushed vote on June 13. The Michigan Senate will take up the issue after the summer recess.
In the face of pressure from hundreds demonstrating against the legislation as well as protests by Michigan doctors, an additional bill which would have criminalized all abortions after 20 weeks, with no exceptions for rape, incest or fetal anomalies was dropped–for now.
Contributing to the anger of assembled abortion rights demonstrators, not one woman was allowed to give testimony against the legislation at last week’s committee hearing.
Called the most extreme legislation in the country by a Michigan Planned Parenthood spokesperson, the intention of the legislation is clear. In the words of co-sponsor, State Rep Mike Shirkey (R):
“Until we completely eliminate abortions in Michigan and completely defund Planned Parenthood, we have work to do.”
These Taliban-like legislators blithely left on summer vacation a day after this vote.
For women to win the fight to control their own reproductive decisions and throw back the war on women, massive mobilization will be necessary.