Michigan Sued Over Pregnancy Exclusion in Advance Directive Law

A group of Michiganders sued state officials Thursday, alleging that a carve-out for pregnancy in its advanced medical directive law is unconstitutional.

The provision’s “categorical elimination” of women’s ability to prospectively make decisions regarding end-of-life care during pregnancy violates their rights to make personal medical decisions, reproductive autonomy, and bodily integrity guaranteed by the Michigan Constitution, the group said in a complaint filed in the Michigan Court of Claims. The complaint names Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D), Attorney General Dana Nessel (D), and other officials as defendants.

The plaintiffs include women of childbearing age, physicians, and patient advocates.

National attention became ...