LANSING, MI, May 22, 2013 (LifeSiteNews) – No matter the crimes of their parents, babies conceived in rape have the same right to life as the rest of us. That’s the idea behind a massive petition drive aimed at overturning Michigan Governor Rick Snyder’s veto of a bill that would have allowed people who participate in ObamaCare’s state health exchange to opt out of funding abortions with their contributions to the pool.
The bill, known as the “Abortion Insurance Opt-Out” act, was passed by the state legislature in December. It barred insurance companies in the state from including abortion coverage in their standard health plans. Those desiring abortion coverage would need to pay a separate premium.
Snyder said he vetoed the bill because it lacked an exception for abortions of babies conceived in rape.
“I don't believe it is appropriate to tell a woman who becomes pregnant due to a rape that she needed to select elective insurance coverage,” Snyder said, “and, as a practical matter, I believe this type of policy is an overreach of government into the private market.”
The Michigan Board of Canvassers has just approved a petition sponsored by Right to Life of Michigan (RTL Michigan) to overturn Snyder’s original veto, giving people the right to opt out of paying for all abortions, regardless of the circumstances of conception.
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Rebecca Kiessling, leader of “Save the 1,” a pro-life group dedicated to fighting for babies conceived in rape, applauded RTL Michigan’s commitment to protecting all preborn humans. She said her group will be actively involved in the petition drive.
“RTL Michigan has determined that the one percent [of babies conceived in rape] are worth fighting for and worth the effort of a petition drive,” Kiessling told LifeSiteNews. “I’m so grateful that they’re willing to save the one.”
Kiessling was herself conceived in rape and born in Michigan to a mother who attempted to have her aborted.
“I was legally protected here in Michigan,” Kiessling told LSN. “My birth mother tried to abort me at two back alley abortionists. I owe my life to the law that was there to protect me.”
Kiessling praised Right to Life Michigan for their efforts to protect others like her. “They recognize that my life was worth saving and they're willing to fight for me,” she said. “I was proud to stand by them in Lansing today and will be part of the petition drive effort.”
Kiessling said she hopes RTL Michigan’s commitment to defending the rights of babies conceived in rape “sets an example for the rest of the pro-life movement.”
RTL Michigan must collect 258,000 signatures in 180 days in order to overturn Governor Snyder’s veto. The group estimates the effort will cost about $100,000.