Michigan Pro-Life Group Says Proposal 1 Constitutional Convention a Bad Idea
by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
October 14, 2010
Lansing, MI (LifeNews.com) — When Michigan voters head to the polls next month, a statewide pro-life group hopes they will reject Proposal 1, which would call for a new constitutional convention. Right to Life of Michigan is recommending a note vote on the ballot proposal, saying it likely won’t help pro-life efforts.
The proposal is on the November 2 general election ballot because the wording of the 1963 Michigan Constitution requires giving the voters the ability to call for a new constitutional convention every 16 years.
The two previous times this question has appeared, 1978 and 1994, it was rejected.
There are arguments that can be made from a pro-life perspective both in favor of and opposition to calling a constitutional convention. On the one hand, pro-life language could be added to the constitution that recognizes legal protection for unborn children. Or provisions could be added that would enshrine abortion — even if the Supreme Court eventually overturns the Roe v. Wade abortion case.
Right to Life of Michigan worries about the latter situation developing.
"On balance, however, the RLM Board of Directors has determined that at the present time a constitutional convention would not be a prudent endeavor for advancing or safeguarding the pro-life cause in Michigan," the group says in a new statement.
In a statement LifeNews.com obtained, the organization acknowledges a "constitutional convention opens up the possibility of adding new pro-life provisions to Michigan’s constitution, and modifying or removing unfavorable provisions."
"It equally presents the opportunity for terrible provisions to be added to the constitution, including a ‘right to privacy’ or some other version of an abortion right," RLM says.
The group concludes: "Because outcomes on either end of the spectrum are possible, RLM assessed how the actual process for convening, drafting and approving a new constitution would likely play out. A successful outcome is not assured and the protections we have now in place could be undone."
Related web sites:
Right to Life of Michigan – https://www.rtl.org
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