Democratic lawmakers are criticizing remarks by Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey (R-Clarklake).

During a recent appearance on Radio Free Hillsdale, Shirkey said allowing abortion is comparable to “the scourge we endured when we still had slavery in this country.”

Democratic Senator Erica Geiss (D-Taylor) is African American. She said the remarks are insensitive and out of touch.

“I don’t think comparing something that is a reproductive choice, that is really nobody’s business except between her and her physician, has any place in a conversation about slavery,” Geiss said.

Amber McCann is a spokeswoman for Shirkey. She said he believes there is no middle ground on abortion.

“The comparison that he was making was to do with the impact of the issue on the country and its ability to divide people,” McCann said.

Want to support reporting like this? Consider making a gift to Michigan Radio today.