Anti-abortion groups start drive to ban 2nd-trimester method
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan anti-abortion groups are launching their ballot drive to restrict a common second-trimester abortion procedure they say is “barbaric.”
Petitions went into circulation Wednesday.
They would prohibit what anti-abortion advocates call “dismemberment” abortions, known medically as dilation and evacuation. There’s an exception to protect a woman’s life.
The procedure, in which the fetus is removed in pieces with a surgical instrument, was used in 1,908, or 7.1%, of Michigan abortions in 2018.
If volunteers for Right to Life and churches collect 340,000 valid signatures within six months — which seems likely — the Republican-led Legislature could enact the ban despite Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s opposition.
Anti-abortion activists have successfully used the maneuver four times before.
Abortion-rights advocates say the restriction would handcuff doctors’ ability to provide safe care to patients.
U.S. officials seize Egyptian mummy linens coming from Canada
PORT HURON, Mich. (AP) — U.S. border officials say they have seized ancient Egyptian mummy linens during enforcement operations at the Blue Water Bridge that connects Michigan with the Canadian province of Ontario.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced Wednesday officers seized a package of five jars of containing the artifacts found May 25 on a Canadian mail truck. The truck had been selected for examination at a nearby station in Marysville, Michigan.
Officials say they worked with a Washington-based archaeological organization and determined the artifacts are believed to be from the Ptolemaic Dynasty from 305-30 B.C. Their removal from Egypt appears to be a violation of federal law.
Authorities say they plan to return the artifacts in the near future and are working to determine who is criminally responsible.
Judge ordered to trial for alleged crimes in divorce case
BRIGHTON, Mich. (AP) — A Livingston County judge has been ordered to trial on criminal charges related to her divorce.
The decision Wednesday came a week after the Michigan Supreme Court heard arguments about removing Theresa Brennan from the bench in a separate matter.
Brennan is accused of perjury and destroying evidence in her divorce case. Prosecutors say she got rid of evidence before recusing herself from her own divorce litigation. Judge David Guinn, who ordered her to trial, says it should have been a “no-brainer” for Brennan to immediately give up the case.
Defense attorney Larry Willey says any delay wasn’t significant. Brennan was suspended in February by the state Supreme Court but still is being paid.
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