Case: Right to Life of Michigan v. Whitmer

1:23-cv-01189 | U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan

Filed Date: Nov. 8, 2023

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

On November 8, 2023, Right to Life of Michigan filed this lawsuit to challenge the state's Proposal 3, the ballot initiative that amended Article I, § 28 of the Michigan Constitution to protect reproductive freedom. The plaintiffs alleged that Proposal 3 violated the federal Constitution. Plaintiffs filed the lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan against Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Attorney General Dana Nessel, and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.  In…

On November 8, 2023, Right to Life of Michigan filed this lawsuit to challenge the state's Proposal 3, the ballot initiative that amended Article I, § 28 of the Michigan Constitution to protect reproductive freedom. The plaintiffs alleged that Proposal 3 violated the federal Constitution. Plaintiffs filed the lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan against Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Attorney General Dana Nessel, and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. 

In addition to Right to Life of Michigan, plaintiffs included the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AAPLOG), Crossroads Care Center (Crossroads), Christian Medical and Dental Associations (CMDA), Save the 1, three members of the Michigan House of Representatives and Senate, a physician, and several private citizens. Plaintiffs also purported to include "Jane Roe," a "fictitious name on behalf of preborn babies." 

Represented by the American Freedom Law Center, Great Lakes Justice Center, and Thomas More Law Center, plaintiffs sought declaratory and injunctive relief, as well as attorneys' fees. Plaintiffs claimed that Article I, § 28 of the Michigan Constitution violated the First and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution, and that Proposal 3 and Article I, § 28 violated the Guarantee Clause of the U.S. Constitution  

The case was assigned to Judge Paul Maloney and Magistrate Judge Ray Kent. 

On January 30, 2024, Defendants filed a motion to dismiss and requested oral argument. The next day, Judge Maloney ordered Plaintiffs to file an amended complaint or a response to the motion to dismiss. As of February 7, 2024, the case was pending before the District Court. 

 

 

 

Summary Authors

Avery Coombe (2/7/2024)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/67988407/parties/right-to-life-of-michigan-v-whitmer/


Judge(s)

Maloney, Paul Lewis (Michigan)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Muise, Robert Joseph (Michigan)

Attorney for Defendant

Aboona, Rebecca Ashley (Michigan)

Banghart-Linn, Linus Richard (Michigan)

Barranco, Kyla Lillian (Michigan)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

1:23-cv-01189

Complaint

Nov. 8, 2023

Nov. 8, 2023

Complaint
21

1:23-cv-01189

Order Regarding Motion to Dismiss

Jan. 31, 2024

Jan. 31, 2024

Order/Opinion

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/67988407/right-to-life-of-michigan-v-whitmer/

Last updated Dec. 17, 2025, 5:06 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against All Defendants filed by Jane Roe, Christian Medical and Dental Associations, American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Right to Life of Michigan, Rebecca Kiessling, John Hubbard, Melissa Halvorson, Gina Johnsen, Celina Asberg, Andrea Smith, Lara Hubbard, Save The 1, Crossroads Care Center, Luke Meerman, Grace Fisher, Joseph Bellino, Jr (Attachments: # 1 Summons for Gretchen Whitmer, Governor, # 2 Summons for Dana Nessel, Michigan Attorney General, # 3 Summons for Jocelyn Benson, Michigan Secretary of State) (Muise, Robert) (Entered: 11/08/2023)

1 Summons for Gretchen Whitmer, Governor

View on PACER

2 Summons for Dana Nessel, Michigan Attorney General

View on PACER

3 Summons for Jocelyn Benson, Michigan Secretary of State

View on PACER

Nov. 8, 2023

Nov. 8, 2023

Clearinghouse
2

CORPORATE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT by Christian Medical and Dental Associations (Muise, Robert) (Entered: 11/08/2023)

Nov. 8, 2023

Nov. 8, 2023

RECAP
3

CORPORATE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT by Crossroads Care Center (Muise, Robert) (Entered: 11/08/2023)

Nov. 8, 2023

Nov. 8, 2023

RECAP
4

CORPORATE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT by Right to Life of Michigan (Muise, Robert) (Entered: 11/08/2023)

Nov. 8, 2023

Nov. 8, 2023

RECAP
5

CORPORATE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT by Save The 1 (Muise, Robert) (Entered: 11/08/2023)

Nov. 8, 2023

Nov. 8, 2023

RECAP

Filing Fee (Civil Case) - Credit Card Payment

Nov. 8, 2023

Nov. 8, 2023

FILING FEE PAID re 1 by plaintiffs American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Celina Asberg, Joseph Bellino, Jr, Christian Medical and Dental Associations, Crossroads Care Center, Grace Fisher, Melissa Halvorson, John Hubbard, Lara Hubbard, Gina Johnsen, Rebecca Kiessling, Luke Meerman, Right to Life of Michigan, Jane Roe, Save The 1, Andrea Smith in the amount of $402, receipt number AMIWDC-7210090 (Muise, Robert)

Nov. 8, 2023

Nov. 8, 2023

6

NOTICE that this case has been assigned to Paul L. Maloney (mg) (Entered: 11/09/2023)

Nov. 9, 2023

Nov. 9, 2023

7

SUMMONS ISSUED as to defendants Jocelyn Benson, Dana Nessel, Gretchen Whitmer (mg) (Entered: 11/09/2023)

Nov. 9, 2023

Nov. 9, 2023

RECAP
8

WAIVER OF SERVICE returned executed by Jane Roe, Christian Medical and Dental Associations, American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Right to Life of Michigan, Rebecca Kiessling, John Hubbard, Melissa Halvorson, Gina Johnsen, Celina Asberg, Andrea Smith, Lara Hubbard, Save The 1, Crossroads Care Center, Luke Meerman, Grace Fisher, Joseph Bellino, Jr as to Gretchen Whitmer waiver sent on 11/15/2023, answer due 1/16/2024 (Muise, Robert) (Entered: 11/16/2023)

Nov. 16, 2023

Nov. 16, 2023

9

WAIVER OF SERVICE returned executed by Jane Roe, Christian Medical and Dental Associations, American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Right to Life of Michigan, Rebecca Kiessling, John Hubbard, Melissa Halvorson, Gina Johnsen, Celina Asberg, Andrea Smith, Lara Hubbard, Save The 1, Crossroads Care Center, Luke Meerman, Grace Fisher, Joseph Bellino, Jr as to Dana Nessel waiver sent on 11/15/2023, answer due 1/16/2024 (Muise, Robert) (Entered: 11/16/2023)

Nov. 16, 2023

Nov. 16, 2023

10

WAIVER OF SERVICE returned executed by Jane Roe, Christian Medical and Dental Associations, American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Right to Life of Michigan, Rebecca Kiessling, John Hubbard, Melissa Halvorson, Gina Johnsen, Celina Asberg, Andrea Smith, Lara Hubbard, Save The 1, Crossroads Care Center, Luke Meerman, Grace Fisher, Joseph Bellino, Jr as to Jocelyn Benson waiver sent on 11/15/2023, answer due 1/16/2024 (Muise, Robert) (Entered: 11/16/2023)

Nov. 16, 2023

Nov. 16, 2023

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Linus Richard Banghart-Linn on behalf of defendants Jocelyn Benson, Dana Nessel, Gretchen Whitmer (Banghart-Linn, Linus)

Nov. 21, 2023

Nov. 21, 2023

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Kyla Lillian Barranco on behalf of defendants Jocelyn Benson, Dana Nessel, Gretchen Whitmer (Barranco, Kyla)

Nov. 21, 2023

Nov. 21, 2023

Attorney Appearance

Nov. 21, 2023

Nov. 21, 2023

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Rebecca Ashley Berels on behalf of defendants Jocelyn Benson, Dana Nessel, Gretchen Whitmer (Berels, Rebecca)

Nov. 21, 2023

Nov. 21, 2023

11

NOTICE Of Name Change by defendants Jocelyn Benson, Dana Nessel, Gretchen Whitmer (Berels, Rebecca) (Entered: 11/30/2023)

Nov. 30, 2023

Nov. 30, 2023

12

PROOF OF SERVICE by defendants Jocelyn Benson, Dana Nessel, Gretchen Whitmer for Notice of Name Change (Berels, Rebecca) (Entered: 11/30/2023)

Nov. 30, 2023

Nov. 30, 2023

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of William Wagner on behalf of plaintiff Christian Medical and Dental Associations (Wagner, William)

Dec. 6, 2023

Dec. 6, 2023

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of William Wagner on behalf of plaintiff American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists (Wagner, William)

Dec. 6, 2023

Dec. 6, 2023

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of William Wagner on behalf of plaintiff Melissa Halvorson (Wagner, William)

Dec. 6, 2023

Dec. 6, 2023

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of William Wagner on behalf of plaintiff Gina Johnsen (Wagner, William)

Dec. 6, 2023

Dec. 6, 2023

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of William Wagner on behalf of plaintiff Luke Meerman (Wagner, William)

Dec. 6, 2023

Dec. 6, 2023

Attorney Appearance

Dec. 6, 2023

Dec. 6, 2023

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of William Wagner on behalf of plaintiff Right to Life of Michigan (Wagner, William)

Dec. 6, 2023

Dec. 6, 2023

13

PROPOSED STIPULATION and ORDER EXTENDING THE TIME FOR DEFENDANTS' RESPONSE TO PLAINTIFFS' COMPLAINT by defendants Jocelyn Benson, Dana Nessel, Gretchen Whitmer (Barranco, Kyla) (Entered: 01/04/2024)

Jan. 4, 2024

Jan. 4, 2024

14

STIPULATION AND ORDER; deadline for defendant to answer or otherwise respond to complaint extended to 1/30/2024; signed by District Judge Paul L. Maloney (Judge Paul L. Maloney, acr) (Entered: 01/05/2024)

Jan. 5, 2024

Jan. 5, 2024

RECAP
15

MOTION for leave to file excess pages by defendants Jocelyn Benson, Dana Nessel, Gretchen Whitmer; (Barranco, Kyla) (Entered: 01/30/2024)

Jan. 30, 2024

Jan. 30, 2024

16

PROOF OF SERVICE by defendants Jocelyn Benson, Dana Nessel, Gretchen Whitmer re MOTION for leave to file excess pages 15 (Barranco, Kyla) (Entered: 01/30/2024)

Jan. 30, 2024

Jan. 30, 2024

17

MOTION to dismiss by defendants Jocelyn Benson, Dana Nessel, Gretchen Whitmer; (Barranco, Kyla) (Entered: 01/30/2024)

Jan. 30, 2024

Jan. 30, 2024

18

BRIEF in support of MOTION to dismiss 17 filed by Jocelyn Benson, Dana Nessel, Gretchen Whitmer (Barranco, Kyla) (Entered: 01/30/2024)

Jan. 30, 2024

Jan. 30, 2024

RECAP
19

CERTIFICATE of compliance re word count for Brief in Support of a Motion 18 filed by Jocelyn Benson, Dana Nessel, Gretchen Whitmer (Barranco, Kyla) (Entered: 01/30/2024)

Jan. 30, 2024

Jan. 30, 2024

20

PROOF OF SERVICE by defendants Jocelyn Benson, Dana Nessel, Gretchen Whitmer re Brief in Support of a Motion 18, MOTION to dismiss 17, Certificate of Compliance Regarding Word Count 19 (Barranco, Kyla) (Entered: 01/30/2024)

Jan. 30, 2024

Jan. 30, 2024

21

ORDER regarding 17 motion to dismiss; signed by District Judge Paul L. Maloney (Judge Paul L. Maloney, acr) (Entered: 01/31/2024)

Jan. 31, 2024

Jan. 31, 2024

RECAP
22

ORDER denying without prejudice 15 motion for leave to file excess pages; signed by District Judge Paul L. Maloney (Judge Paul L. Maloney, acr) (Entered: 01/31/2024)

Jan. 31, 2024

Jan. 31, 2024

23

FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT against All Defendants filed by Jane Roe, Christian Medical and Dental Associations, American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Right to Life of Michigan, Rebecca Kiessling, John Hubbard, Melissa Halvorson, Gina Johnsen, Celina Asberg, Andrea Smith, Lara Hubbard, Save The 1, Crossroads Care Center, Luke Meerman, Grace Fisher, Joseph Bellino, Jr (Muise, Robert) (Entered: 02/20/2024)

Feb. 20, 2024

Feb. 20, 2024

RECAP
24

ORDER dismissing as moot 17 motion to dismiss; signed by District Judge Paul L. Maloney (Judge Paul L. Maloney, acr) (Entered: 02/20/2024)

Feb. 20, 2024

Feb. 20, 2024

RECAP
25

PROPOSED STIPULATION and ORDER EXTENDING THE TIME FOR DEFENDANTS' RESPONSE TO PLAINTIFFS' FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT by defendants Jocelyn Benson, Dana Nessel, Gretchen Whitmer (Barranco, Kyla) (Entered: 02/28/2024)

Feb. 28, 2024

Feb. 28, 2024

26

PROOF OF SERVICE by defendants Jocelyn Benson, Dana Nessel, Gretchen Whitmer re PROPOSED STIPULATION and ORDER EXTENDING THE TIME FOR DEFENDANTS' RESPONSE TO PLAINTIFFS' FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT by defendants Jocelyn Benson, Dana Nessel, Gretchen Whitmer 25 (Barranco, Kyla) (Entered: 02/28/2024)

Feb. 28, 2024

Feb. 28, 2024

27

STIPULATION AND ORDER; deadline for defendant to answer or otherwise respond to amended complaint extended to 3/19/2024; signed by District Judge Paul L. Maloney (Judge Paul L. Maloney, acr) (Entered: 02/29/2024)

Feb. 29, 2024

Feb. 29, 2024

RECAP
28

Joint Motion to Enlarge Word Count by defendants Jocelyn Benson, Dana Nessel, Gretchen Whitmer; (Barranco, Kyla) Modified text on 3/20/2024 (eod) (Entered: 03/19/2024)

March 19, 2024

March 19, 2024

29

MOTION to dismiss Plaintiffs' First Amended Complaint by defendants Jocelyn Benson, Dana Nessel, Gretchen Whitmer; (Barranco, Kyla) Modified text per phone call from filing attorney on 3/19/2024 (ems). (Entered: 03/19/2024)

March 19, 2024

March 19, 2024

RECAP
30

BRIEF in support of MOTION to dismiss Plaintiffs' First Amended Complaint 29 filed by Jocelyn Benson, Dana Nessel, Gretchen Whitmer (Barranco, Kyla) Modified text per phone call from filing attorney on 3/19/2024 (ems). (Entered: 03/19/2024)

March 19, 2024

March 19, 2024

RECAP
31

CERTIFICATE of compliance re word count for Brief in Support of a Motion 30 filed by Jocelyn Benson, Dana Nessel, Gretchen Whitmer (Barranco, Kyla) (Entered: 03/19/2024)

March 19, 2024

March 19, 2024

32

PROOF OF SERVICE by defendants Jocelyn Benson, Dana Nessel, Gretchen Whitmer re Brief in Support of a Motion 30, MOTION for leave to file excess pages Joint Motion to Enlarge Word Count 28, MOTION to dismiss Plaintiffs' First Amended Complaint 29, Certificate of Compliance Regarding Word Count 31 (Barranco, Kyla) Modified text per phone call from filing attorney on 3/19/2024 (ems). (Entered: 03/19/2024)

March 19, 2024

March 19, 2024

33

ORDER granting 28 motion for leave to file excess pages; signed by District Judge Paul L. Maloney (Judge Paul L. Maloney, acr) (Entered: 03/21/2024)

March 21, 2024

March 21, 2024

34

RESPONSE in opposition to MOTION to dismiss Plaintiffs' First Amended Complaint 29 filed by American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Celina Asberg, Joseph Bellino, Jr, Christian Medical and Dental Associations, Crossroads Care Center, Grace Fisher, Melissa Halvorson, John Hubbard, Lara Hubbard, Gina Johnsen, Rebecca Kiessling, Luke Meerman, Right to Life of Michigan, Jane Roe, Save The 1, Andrea Smith (Muise, Robert) (Entered: 04/10/2024)

April 10, 2024

April 10, 2024

35

REPLY to response to motion 29 filed by Jocelyn Benson, Dana Nessel, Gretchen Whitmer (Barranco, Kyla) (Entered: 04/24/2024)

April 24, 2024

April 24, 2024

RECAP
36

CERTIFICATE of compliance re word count for Reply to Response to Motion 35 filed by Jocelyn Benson, Dana Nessel, Gretchen Whitmer (Barranco, Kyla) (Entered: 04/24/2024)

April 24, 2024

April 24, 2024

37

PROOF OF SERVICE by defendants Jocelyn Benson, Dana Nessel, Gretchen Whitmer re Certificate of Compliance Regarding Word Count 36, Reply to Response to Motion 35 (Barranco, Kyla) (Entered: 04/24/2024)

April 24, 2024

April 24, 2024

38

NOTICE of Supplemental Authority by defendants Jocelyn Benson, Dana Nessel, Gretchen Whitmer (Barranco, Kyla) (Entered: 08/08/2024)

Aug. 8, 2024

Aug. 8, 2024

39

PROOF OF SERVICE by defendants Jocelyn Benson, Dana Nessel, Gretchen Whitmer re Notice (Other) 38 (Barranco, Kyla) (Entered: 08/08/2024)

Aug. 8, 2024

Aug. 8, 2024

40

RESPONSE TO 38 Defendants' Notice of Supplemental Authority filed by plaintiffs American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Celina Asberg, Joseph Bellino, Jr, Christian Medical and Dental Associations, Crossroads Care Center, Grace Fisher, Melissa Halvorson, John Hubbard, Lara Hubbard, Gina Johnsen, Rebecca Kiessling, Luke Meerman, Right to Life of Michigan, Jane Roe, Save The 1, Andrea Smith (Muise, Robert) (Entered: 08/12/2024)

Aug. 12, 2024

Aug. 12, 2024

41

NOTICE re 34 of Supplemental Authority by plaintiffs American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Celina Asberg, Joseph Bellino, Jr, Christian Medical and Dental Associations, Crossroads Care Center, Grace Fisher, Melissa Halvorson, John Hubbard, Lara Hubbard, Gina Johnsen, Rebecca Kiessling, Luke Meerman, Right to Life of Michigan, Jane Roe, Save The 1, Andrea Smith (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 - Northland Family Planning Center v. Nessel) (Muise, Robert) (Entered: 05/26/2025)

May 26, 2025

May 26, 2025

42

RESPONSE TO 41 filed by defendants Jocelyn Benson, Dana Nessel, Gretchen Whitmer (Aboona, Rebecca) (Entered: 06/10/2025)

June 10, 2025

June 10, 2025

43

PROOF OF SERVICE by defendants Jocelyn Benson, Dana Nessel, Gretchen Whitmer re Response (non-motion) 42 (Aboona, Rebecca) (Entered: 06/10/2025)

June 10, 2025

June 10, 2025

44

NOTICE of Supplemental Authority by plaintiffs American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Celina Asberg, Joseph Bellino, Jr, Christian Medical and Dental Associations, Crossroads Care Center, Grace Fisher, Melissa Halvorson, John Hubbard, Lara Hubbard, Gina Johnsen, Rebecca Kiessling, Luke Meerman, Right to Life of Michigan, Jane Roe, Save The 1, Andrea Smith (Muise, Robert) (Entered: 07/23/2025)

July 23, 2025

July 23, 2025

45

RESPONSE TO 44 filed by defendants Jocelyn Benson, Dana Nessel, Gretchen Whitmer (Aboona, Rebecca) (Entered: 08/06/2025)

Aug. 6, 2025

Aug. 6, 2025

46

OPINION AND ORDER granting 29 motion to dismiss; signed by District Judge Paul L. Maloney (Judge Paul L. Maloney, acr) (Entered: 09/30/2025)

Sept. 30, 2025

Sept. 30, 2025

RECAP
47

JUDGMENT; signed by District Judge Paul L. Maloney (Judge Paul L. Maloney, acr)

Sept. 30, 2025

Sept. 30, 2025

RECAP

Case Details

State / Territory:

Michigan

Case Type(s):

Healthcare Access and Reproductive Issues

Key Dates

Filing Date: Nov. 8, 2023

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Right to Life of Michigan; the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists; Christian Medical and Dental Associations; Crossroads Care Center; Save the 1, several private individuals, and "Jane Roe, a fictitious name on behalf of preborn babies"

Plaintiff Type(s):

Non-profit NON-religious organization

Non-profit religious organization

Private Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

American Freedom Law Center

Thomas More Law Center

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Governor of Michigan, State

Attorney General of Michigan, State

Secretary of State of Michigan, State

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Other Dockets:

Western District of Michigan 1:23-cv-01189

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Granted:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

Reproductive rights:

Abortion

Contraception

Sterilization/sexual rights