Michigan House to Hear Bills on Abortion Data Tracking and Reporting

Michigan Lawmakers to Reevaluate Abortion Data Collection Amidst Safety Concerns

Amidst a heated debate on abortion rights and patient privacy, Michigan’s state lawmakers will soon deliberate on proposed legislation aimed at reinstating the collection of abortion data. The Republican-led House Health Policy Committee is set to review these bills, which emphasize patient safety and informed decision-making.

The proposed legislation mandates healthcare providers to record details such as a patient’s age, racial and ethnic background, and pregnancy history. Additionally, any arising complications during the procedures must also be reported.

Genevieve Marnon, representing Right to Life of Michigan, advocates for this legislative move, stating, “I think women have the right to know the risks they are taking before they make a decision, and the abortion reporting is a necessary part of that right.”

Last year, Michigan ceased its requirement for abortion data reporting following a change in law. Opponents of the proposed data collection argue that it may discourage individuals from seeking necessary medical interventions, given the existing safety of abortion procedures.

Data from 2023, the last year Michigan collected abortion statistics, highlighted 16 immediate complications from over 31,000 procedures. Furthermore, 247 subsequent complications were documented, which included 122 failed abortions.

Planned Parenthood of Michigan’s Chief External Affairs Officer Ashlea Phenicie critiques the bills, emphasizing the minimal medical relevance of some collected data, such as marital status. She adds, “I think we need to think very carefully in the level of information we are collecting, the level of patient and provider privacy protections that are included in that, and who is holding and administering that data.”

Phenicie also expressed concerns about potential privacy breaches and the possible deterrent effect on abortion access, especially considering actions by other states with stricter abortion laws attempting to restrict residents from seeking services elsewhere.

While Marnon believes the bills align with protecting women’s rights, Phenicie maintains that they could further stigmatize abortions, especially after the 2022 voter decision to ensure abortion rights in Michigan’s constitution.

Marnon counters this argument, asserting the bills are “commonsense” measures, specifically prohibiting the inclusion of personal identifiers in reports and establishing penalties for data breaches.

Despite the push in the House, the bills face significant hurdles in the Democratic-controlled Senate, and Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a proponent of the Reproductive Health Act, is not expected to support them should they reach her desk.