The petition, which seek to have the Abortion Insurance Opt-Out Act put before the state’s lawmakers, needs 258,000 valid signatures before the first week in December. The goal is to have enough signatures by the first week in September, however, said Kathy Fastiggi, who is organizing the petition drive at St. Sebastian Parish in Dearborn Heights.
“So far we’ve had a lot of support from my parish,” Fastiggi said, adding that 540 signatures had been collected at St. Sebastian as of July 8. “The goal is to aim higher (than 258,000) to make sure they get enough signatures. We don’t want our taxes or premiums to go toward abortion in the state of Michigan.”
The drive is part of what’s called an initiative petition. Under Michigan law, citizens have a right to propose legislation to the state’s Legislature by collecting signatures. If enough signatures are collected and verified by the state’s Board of Canvassers, the measure will go to the Legislature for a vote. If a majority of lawmakers in both chambers approve the measure within 40 days, it becomes law without the governor’s signature. If they fail to act or vote no, the measure will be placed before voters as a ballot question during the next election.
The federal Affordable Care Act, passed in 2010, requires each state to have a functioning health insurance marketplace, or exchange, set up by 2014. The law allows states to exclude abortion coverage in plans available in the exchange, some of which are supported by tax dollars through federal subsidies.
The Abortion Insurance Opt-Out Act would prohibit all health insurance plans in the state from including abortion coverage except as an optional rider policy, which would be purchased separately by the policyholder.
Twenty-one states have passed similar legislation, according to the Michigan Catholic Conference, which supports the measure.
Although citizens may not sign the petition online, a paper petition can be printed at www.michigansvoice.com. Only Michigan registered voters may sign the petition.
Fastiggi expressed confidence the petition drive would succeed, given its backing by the Church and the fact that “we have all summer” to collect signatures.
“The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is behind it because it will help curtail abortion in the state of Michigan,” Fastiggi said. “I think it will be successful; we have good leadership.”
Sign the petition
To sign the petition, contact your parish office or visit www.michigansvoice.com to request one. Online signatures are not considered as valid. More information is also available by calling Right to Life of Michigan at (248) 553-8800.
