Coercing someone to have an abortion would carry tougher penalties under bills approved Thursday by the state Senate.
We have more from The Michigan Public Radio Network’s Jake Neher.
The crime could result in criminal penalties under the legislation.
Republican state Senator Judy Emmons says more needs to be done to prevent coerced abortion.
“The decision is taken from them,” she says. “They are forced into it.”
Democrats say the bills do not clearly define what “coercion” means. They worry about unintended consequences for women’s reproductive rights.
The legislation now goes to the state House.