By Rick Pluta, Michigan Public Radio Network
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-988042.mp3
Lansing, MI – A bill to enact a state ban on a controversial abortion procedure that is already illegal under federal law is on its way to Governor Rick Snyder for his signature. That's despite the governor's stated hope to avoid dealing with controversial social questions while he focuses on a jobs creation strategy.
Snyder's predecessor, Governor Jennifer Granholm, twice vetoed bills that would outlaw the procedure abortion foes call "partial birth abortion." There was some question on whether Governor Snyder would sign the ban. He has said the abortion issue is not a priority of his when policymakers should focus on fixing Michigan's economy. But Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley says the governor does oppose the procedure.
"I do expect that the governor will sign the ban on partial birth abortion which will be coming to his desk shortly," Calley says.
Social conservatives in Governor Snyder's party have been looking for a signal that he is willing to deal with them on their priorities. The governor has bucked that wing of the GOP on a few questions, including his support for embryonic stem cell research.