GRAND RAPIDS, MI – After about 75 minutes of public comment Tuesday, a First Ward city commissioner's proposal to change the language on abortion in the health plan for Grand Rapids employees fell on deaf ears.

The other six commissioners, including the First Ward's Walt Gutowski, who was endorsed by Right to Life last fall in his re-election campaign, declined to support Dave Shaffer's proposal that city health insurance cover abortions only in three specific situations: if the mother's life is in danger, or in cases of rape or incest. The insurance currently covers abortion of "medical necessity," according a city human resources director.

Shaffer made a motion to suspend the meeting’s rules so he could propose his resolution. But the motion died for lack of support when each of his colleagues stayed silent.

But plenty of other Grand Rapids residents, city income tax payers and other interested parties piped up during the meeting at Mulick Park Elementary School:

Kathy Humphrey

City resident Melissa Yeomans, who said some of her family members have experienced abortion, offered an emotional appeal.

Gayla Jewell, a medical sociologist in Grand Rapids, shared some professional wisdom. Though Shaffer’s resolution makes exceptions for abortion in cases of rape or incest, she called it “dangerous and progressive policy that puts women at risk” by neglecting myriad other life issues.

The discussion also drew comment from Kent County leaders. County Commissioner

Gutowski, who’s not up for re-election until 2015, said he “can’t let (Right to Life’s endorsement) dictate my decision” on Shaffer’s motion. Laura Alexandria, director of operations for Grand Rapids Right to Life, said “when it comes time for endorsements the next time, (Gutowski’s) voting record in its entirety would be considered.”

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