DHHS Secretary Becerra, health professionals discuss safeguarding access to care
DETROIT, July 7, 2023 — State Rep. Julie M. Rogers (D-Kalamazoo), chair of the House Health Policy Committee, and House Speaker Pro Tem Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia) participated in a roundtable discussion today with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra about reproductive health care. Panelists talked about the current state of abortion access and what work still needs to be done to ensure that access is protected.
Participants of a reproductive health roundtable gathered today, July 7, 2023, at the Detroit Health Department to discuss the state of abortion access in Michigan.
“As a practicing health care provider, I understand the importance of protecting access to reproductive health services, including abortion. I’m thankful U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Becerra has acted consistently to support women and their decision 一 making about their own health,” Rogers said. “Removing barriers previously enshrined in Michigan law will be important steps in shielding individuals’ rights and freedoms, while improving access to safe care.”
Also participating in the discussion were Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s chief medical officer; Detroit Deputy Mayor Todd Bettison; representatives from the Detroit Health Department; and physicians and patients.
“Just over a year after the Dobbs decision overturned Roe v. Wade, states are still grappling with the consequences of that ruling. Michigan has done a tremendous job in securing abortion rights, but we still face challenges with access,” Pohutsky said. “I’m grateful for the collaboration from the Biden administration and other states to ensure we rise to the occasion to address the needs of not just our state, but also surrounding states with abortion bans in place.”