Legal battle over abortion continues in Michigan

(LANSING, Mich.) The legal battle over abortion access in the state of Michigan is ongoing. 

As of Monday night, county prosecutors cannot prosecute abortion providers after Oakland County following a temporary restraining order issued by Circuit Judge Jacob Cunningham.

The Michigan Attorney General's office filed a motion for a temporary restraining order after the State Court of Appeals ruled an injunction from Judge Elizabeth Gleicher did not apply to county prosecutors, allowing them to prosecute abortion providers. 

Under a statute in Michigan's Constitution from 1931, abortion is banned in almost all cases, however, Gleicher's injunction blocks that ban even with the overturning of Roe V. Wade. 

Planned Parenthood filed a lawsuit in April asking for the enforcement of the 1931 statute to be blocked in anticipation of the United States Supreme Court overturning Roe V. Wade. 

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer also filed lawsuit in April asking the Michigan Supreme Court to determine whether the state constitution protects the right to an abortion. 

Nessel has said her office will not prosecute doctors who provide abortion. 

“Today’s ruling will not deter my efforts to continue to fight for Michigan women," Nessel said. "The legal battle continues on multiple fronts and those of us who value access to reproductive healthcare and respect a women’s right to make the best decisions for herself, according to her own moral, cultural and religious beliefs are not backing down. While I respect the ruling from the court, it is by no means the final say on this issue in Michigan.”