New MI law prohibits insurance coverage for abortion - WLOX.com - The News for South Mississippi

A new law in Michigan will impact women as they sign up for health insurance.

The state recently joined eight others in the U.S. that now require women to buy an extra policy if they want abortion coverage. The law prohibits insurance companies from offering abortion coverage as part of both public and private health plans, except for when a woman's life is at risk.

The decision came after an emotional day in the senate. The issue has stirred up a lot of controversy, and some say the idea should have been brought to voters.

"It impacts every woman and girl in the state of Michigan," said Sen. Gretchen Whitmer (D – East Lansing). "They gathered 300,000 signatures, which is only 4 percent of our population, and have pushed the issue through."

The anti-abortion group, Right to Life, collected the signatures in a citizens' initiative, which can bypass the governor's signature.

Now Whitmer says she will continue to do whatever she can to fight against the new policy.

"I'm going to raise my voice and help in any effort to undo this legislation, no matter what that effort looks like. I think this is too important," she said.

Whitmer says her first step is an online petition.

 According to the Associate Press, insurance policies covered about three percent of abortions last year.

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