LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) -- A coalition of Michigan patients, physicians and advocates filed a lawsuit against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Thursday challenging a state law that blocks pregnant people from having their advance directives honored if those directives would result in death.

The complaint, Koskenoja v. Whitmer, was filed Oct. 23 in the Michigan Court of Claims. It argues that Michigan’s Pregnancy Exclusion” in the Estates and Protected Individuals Code is unconstitutional because it prevents patient advocates from refusing life-sustaining treatment for pregnant patients, even when that is the patient’s wish.

Michigan does not have a living will statute, meaning residents typically rely on power of attorney for health care to appoint a patient advocate. The Pregnancy Exclusion states a

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