ABORTIONISTS BARRED FROM ACCEPTING PREPAYMENT FOR ABORTION IN MICHIGAN

GRAND RAPIDS, April 30, 2003 (LifeSiteNews.com) – A legal settlement was reached ending the requirement for women to prepay for abortion services in Michigan. The settlement, reached by the New York-based Center for Reproductive Rights and the Michigan Attorney General’s Office, is being described as a victory for women by Michigan Right to Life.  Right to Life of Michigan President Barbara Listing said, “Women will no longer be forced to invest financially in an abortion while they are considering their options. Women will now be protected from the added pressure of financial obligation when making a decision about an unplanned pregnancy.”  The settlement states that payments cannot be collected by abortionists during the 24-hour waiting period for abortions.  The legislation which was drafted to provide consumer protection to women who are considering abortion was fought by abortionists. The law clarifies that abortionists cannot collect payments before abortions are performed; payments which could impel women to have abortions.  Listing said, “This is a victory for women. Abortion is a for-profit business, a business which ends the lives of unborn children and leaves many women with physical, emotional and mental complications.”