The Michigan Catholic Conference is taking a stand against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's methodology in trying to expand access to abortions. 

The Catholic Conference issued a statement rebuking the governor for trying to bypass the legislative process after she filed a lawsuit that is attempting to overturn a 1931 state law banning abortions except in cases where the mother's life is at risk.

"The right to life for unborn children and its inherent value given by our Creator cannot be reduced to a legal opinion or legislative vote," Rebecca Mastee, attorney and the Michigan Catholic Conference's policy advocate, said in a recent post on the Conference's Facebook page. "While the legality of abortion is contingent upon democratic structures, it is unfortunate that the judicial branch is being used to try to invalidate a longstanding policy approved by elected representatives and left untouched by the Legislature for nearly a century since."

Whitmer filed a lawsuit earlier this month attempting to overturn the 1931 law, a recent Politico report said. The governor's move was likely anticipating the possibility that the U.S. Supreme Court could overturn Roe v. Wade this summer. The 1973 Roe v. Wade decision prevented the enforcement of Michigan's 1931 state law; but if the federal law is overturned, state laws restricting abortion will again go into effect. Whitmer, who faces a re-election battle this year, is accused of using her power as governor to bypass the state's lower courts and present the issue directly to the Michigan Supreme Court. 

The Catholic Church has stood against abortion for centuries, a release on the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) website said. "The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: 'Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable. Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law' (No. 2271)."

A May 2021 Gallup Poll showed that 48% of those responding believe abortion should be legal only under certain circumstances, while 19% believe it should be illegal in all circumstances. 32% of those polled believe abortion should be legal under all circumstances. 

"Our hope is that a greater respect for the distinct and separate branches of state government returns to the political sphere, and we pray for a deeper appreciation for the life and protection of unborn children in the hearts and minds of the citizens and elected officials of the state," Mastee said in the Facebook post.