Michigan Progressive Women’s Caucus calls for end to Michigan’s unconstitutional abortion laws, repeal of archaic abortion ban
LANSING, Mich., Nov. 10, 2021 — The Progressive Women’s Caucus (PWC) introduced of the Michigan Reproductive Health Act (RHA) today, which would guarantee individuals’ freedom to make decisions about their own reproductive health, including to have an abortion. This package would guarantee health care access by repealing Michigan’s 1931 abortion ban and ensure every Michigander the right to decide whether or not to use contraception, undergo sterilization or continue a pregnancy.
“Every Michigander deserves access to safe and affordable reproductive care,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said. “That’s why I’ve called on the legislature to repeal the nearly century-old law that strips fundamental rights from women and criminalizes doctors for providing critical health care services. The legislation introduced today would protect the constitutional right to choose. As long as I am governor, I will always stand up for reproductive rights.”
Michigan state law includes numerous restrictions on abortion care, serving as barriers to access for women seeking it as a safe, constitutionally protected health care option. This includes a 1930s law criminalizing abortion, which is currently not in effect because of the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade. If the U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe, that Michigan law and others like it may go back into effect.
“House Democrats are united in our work to repeal Michigan’s archaic abortion ban and ensure reproductive health care,” said House Democratic Leader Donna Lasinski (D-Scio Township), leader of the first majority-female caucus in Michigan history. “With recent attacks on health care like the extreme anti-abortion and vigilante justice law passed in Texas, striking Michigan’s void abortion ban is a top priority. Failed petition drives to outlaw abortion continue to show that a vast majority of Michiganders support the constitutional right to choose, and Michigan Democrats stand united to defend the right to make that personal and private medical decision without politicians or your neighbors in the room.”
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