“Why Can’t Republican Views on Abortion in Michigan Find Common Ground?

In recent news, there is a substantial chasm between Republicans in the state of Michigan when it comes to the topic of abortion. While some are staunchly pro-life, many others adopt a moderate stance on the issue. This gap is becoming increasingly difficult to bridge amongst members of the state GOP, which could have divisive effects if left unaddressed. To understand this divergence in opinion, and the possible implications it has for the state of Michigan, one must understand the different viewpoints of each group. Those who are pro-life generally believe that all abortion should be illegal, regardless of circumstances, while members with a more moderate position may be willing to recognize certain cases in which abortions may be permissible. At the same time, those with a moderate stance on the issue are likely to still oppose ideas such as late-term abortions. The Michigan Republican Party has generally taken a conservative stance on the issue, so much so that its official platform urges the “‘total and complete prohibition’ of abortions”. This conservative viewpoint is held by a majority of state Republicans, including Governor Rick Snyder, who have made it clear they are vehemently anti-abortion. In spite of the general conservative tilt within the party, there are many Republicans in Michigan who are moderate on the abortion issue. Some have even gone so far as to support exceptions for cases such as rape, incest and fetal anomalies. The divide between those who are hard-liners on the abortion issue and those who take a more moderate stance has become particularly evident in the race for governor, where the eventual winner will inherit Michigan’s current policies. As the election season has unfolded, the differences between the candidates on the issue have become much more stark. Though the two major candidates for governor on the Republican side both express support for the party’s pro-life stance and oppose late-term abortions, there are notable differences between them. For instance, Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley has noted his willingness to make exceptions for rape or incest, while Attorney General Bill Schuette takes a harder line, having stated that he believes ‘it’s wrong to kill an unborn child, regardless of the circumstance’. This gap in opinion among Michigan Republicans when it comes to abortion could have dangerous implications for the state. With the election coming soon, it will be important for party members to come together and reconcile on a common policy, lest their divisions on the issue cause difficulties in the coming months. Without an agreement, it’s likely that the issue will prove to be an acute source of friction within the party as they attempt to build a powerful Republican front come fall. Additionally, the undecided citizens of Michigan who will be casting their votes in the upcoming elections could be dissuaded from voting Republican due to the lack of a unified stance on the issue. Overall, the gap between the state’s Republicans on the issue of abortion could prove to be disastrous if left unresolved. It is now incumbent upon those within the party to come together and find common ground in order to form a cohesive policy that can be accepted by all.