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SB 33

Probate: patient advocates; withholding life-sustaining treatment for a patient who is pregnant; allow. Amends secs. 5507 & 5509 of 1998 PA 386 (MCL 700.5507 & 700.5509).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sarah Anthony and 1 co-sponsor

Michigan bill removes prohibition on withholding life-sustaining treatment from pregnant patients, allowing surrogate decision-makers to honor prior patient wishes regardless of pregnancy status.

referred to Committee on Health Policy
#probate:patientadvocates
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Bill Summary · SB 33

Legislative bill overview

SB 33 amends Michigan's probate code to allow patient advocates and surrogate decision-makers to authorize the withholding or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment for patients who are pregnant. Currently, Michigan law prohibits such decisions when a patient is pregnant, regardless of the patient's prior wishes or medical circumstances. This bill removes that categorical prohibition.

Why is this important

This addresses a significant gap between patient autonomy rights and pregnancy status. Under current law, a pregnant patient in a vegetative state, terminal condition, or with no reasonable prospect of recovery cannot have life-sustaining treatment withheld—even if they previously expressed this wish or if continuing treatment causes severe suffering. The bill affects end-of-life decision-making for a medically vulnerable population and raises fundamental questions about reproductive status versus individual medical autonomy.

Potential points of contention

  • Fetal viability considerations: The bill does not explicitly address whether fetal viability should factor into withholding treatment decisions, creating ambiguity about how far into pregnancy these decisions can be made
  • Disability and reproductive rights conflict: Disability rights advocates may argue the bill could pressure pregnant patients with disabilities to forgo treatment, while reproductive autonomy advocates may view the current restriction as paternalistic
  • Religious and moral objections: Opponents may argue pregnancy creates a separate legal interest requiring protection, while supporters contend patient wishes should supersede pregnancy status

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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