Below is a transcription of an interview with Democratic Michigan Governor. Gretchen Whitmer’s interview aired on Sunday, June 26, 2022 on Face the Nation.
MARGARET BRENNAN – Michigan is one of the states that has enacted a restrictive abortion ban before Roe vs. Wade. Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan’s Democratic governor, joins us from Lansing. Good morning Governor.
MICHIGAN GOVERNOR WHITMER: Good Morning, Margaret.
MARGARET BRENAN: In your state, abortion is temporarily allowed due to a court order on a 1931 law already in place that would have outlawed it without any exceptions for incest or rape. I see there is confusion in your state. Is your appeal to the state Supreme Court still pending?
GOV. GOV. It’s now clear that it is both timely and urgent. It is unclear what all this means for IVF. Practitioners and hospitals have a hard time understanding it with the prosecutors from every corner. Our Supreme Court must act. I have filed a lawsuit asking them for recognition of a fundamental due-process and equal protection right. It is now for them to step in and acknowledge this right under the state constitution.
MARGARET BRENNAN: What happens if you lose?
GOV. GOV. This is a battle like hell moment. Our partners then filed another lawsuit. They got an injunction, which is currently being appealed, so it’s very precarious. There is also an effort to gather signatures and amend our Constitution. We are taking every step we can to ensure reproductive rights for Michigan women as well as Ohio women and Indiana women who visit Michigan to receive their health care.
MARGARET BRENAN: In every state, the state capitals will make these decisions. Let me get into the details. Roe vs. Wade was a precedent that guaranteed abortion until viability after approximately 24 weeks. This ban is being struck down by the courts. You will need to create a new law. Is there a compromise that can be reached? Are you willing to settle for 20 weeks, 15 or less than roe after a negotiation?
GOV. GOV. There is no common ground with the current legislature, which is a sad fact. They have already introduced legislation to criminalize doctors and nurses. They all supported the 1931 law. All of the Republican candidates for governor have endorsed the 1931 law. They want abortion to become a crime, with no exceptions for incest or rape. This is the type of legislature I am working with. This is the matchup I will have this fall. This is why it’s so scary for Michigan women, and our families.
MARGARET BRENNAN The majority of Americans believe that abortion should be legalized within the first trimester. A third of Americans believe it should be legalized after 12 weeks. If you don’t think you can talk it out with your state legislature about this, could you at least let the public know and put it on the ballot? What does the public have to do? What can you do to move forward?
GOV. GOV. It’s up to them individually to decide whether they would support it or not. As are many 50-year-old women, I find it horrifying that my daughters will be denied the same rights that I have had almost my entire life. However, I am encouraged by the fact that the majority of people in this country support women having the right to choose. My father was a pro-choice Republican, and I grew up with both pro-choice Republicans as well as independents. They are needed to be part of this fight.
MARGARET BRENNAN : Yes, but then if it’s put out there to public, they have to choose and make a specific statement. Is it possible to do less than roe? Is compromise possible?
GOV. GOV. We have seen Michigan pass some restrictions on abortion. There is also a waiting period. However, this is an example of how extreme Michigan’s GOP has become. This radical agenda is to deny women the right to make the most important economic decisions in their lives, such as whether to have children or not.
MARGARET BRENNAN This was clearly telegraphed so long ago. Do you think the federal government should do more?
GOV. GOV. Although I have used all of my tools, each person has different ones, the decision to allow states to use them has been made. This is why I am fighting to defend Michigan’s right to this right.
MARGARET BRENNAN
GOV. GOV. So I am hopeful that the Biden administration will do this. I can only tell you what’s happening on the ground here in Michigan.
MARGARET BRENNAN – I have a question about the homeland security warning that domestic violence extremists could increase violence. CBS obtained a bulletin which specifically mentioned an incident that occurred in Michigan and was related to a pro-abortion rights group. What are your concerns about violence? What are your observations on the ground?
GOV. GOV. The last two decisions from the United States Supreme Court have made America much more dangerous. They gave us more guns and fewer rights. It is frightening. It is a crushing feeling for me as a lawyer to admit that important institutions, which are supposed to be independent from politics, are being corrupted. This is what we are seeing from the United States Supreme Court. I am concerned about our safety, our security and long-term prosperity.
MARGARET BRENAN: Are you worried about active threats to Michigan, despite the warnings about threats fed to federal officials of state government, including judges?
GOV. GOV. I- Margaret, I’ve been the victim of hate and ugliness often stoked a lot by the former president. This is a very frightening moment. With the increase in the use of the deplorable rhetoric and the increasing number of guns in America, there are fewer restrictions. Any parent who sends their child school, or any politician or policymaker who has to make a difficult decision, I believe, must be more afraid.
MARGARET BRENNAN
GOV. GOV. It is- that’s part of the gerrymandered legislature of the radicalized Republican Party of Michigan.
MARGARET BRENAN: Governor Whitmer! We will be following what happens in your state. We are grateful. Face nation. We will be back in a moment so please stay with us.
