LANSING, Mich., March 8, 2022 — Today, state Rep. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield) introduced a resolution affirming that the Griswold v. Connecticut Supreme Court decision was decided correctly. Griswold v. Connecticut bars states from restricting access to contraceptives and set the precedent used in the Roe v. Wade decision. 

 

“Overturning Roe v. Wade begins with undermining the decisions that paved the way for it,” Brabec said. “Griswold v. Connecticut played a pivotal role in the fight for gender equality and forms the foundation for modern-day civil rights. This resolution would reaffirm our commitment to the laws and rights made possible by that decision. It reaffirms our belief that to take away an individual’s right to birth control is to take away the fundamental right to privacy, bodily integrity and family planning.”

 

The resolution comes on the heels of comments made by Michigan Republican attorney general candidates in a recent debate. When asked what they thought of the Griswold v. Connecticut decision, all three of the Republican candidates spoke critically of it, claiming that it was an issue of states’ rights. 

 

“Reproductive health decisions are personal and private, and they should be made solely between a person and their doctor,” said state Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia), chair of the Progressive Women’s Caucus. “Let me be clear: The government does not belong in the exam room. Griswold v. Connecticut ruled that states do not have the right to restrict access to contraception. The constitutional right to privacy is fundamental and cherished by all Americans.”

 

“Contraception serves more purposes than preventing pregnancy,” said state Rep. Christine Morse (D-Texas Township). “Restricting access to contraception will make it more difficult for doctors to treat the non-reproductive health concerns that patients use birth control for, like endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and painful, irregular or heavy periods. It would also increase the number of unplanned pregnancies and have a disproportionately negative effect on already vulnerable communities. We, as lawmakers, do not have the right to override the medical expertise of doctors and restrict how they care for their patients.”

 

The resolution has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee.