Michigan Dems deliver on reproductive rights with repeal of harmful, politically motivated restrictions on abortion
LANSING — Today, Senate Democrats took their final votes on the Reproductive Health Act, finalizing the repeal of dangerous abortion restrictions that harm marginalized communities and limit reproductive freedom. With today’s votes, the legislation now heads to Governor Whitmer’s desk for signing.
This crucial legislation takes back control of medical decisions so they are made between a patient and their provider. These laws increase access by allowing insurance plans to cover abortions without charging extra, remove TRAP laws that shut down abortion clinics often in areas where they’re most needed, and remove the fear of criminal penalties for doctors just doing their jobs.
“These laws are about giving every Michigander the right to make their own decisions about their bodies,” said Chair of the Michigan Democratic Party Lavora Barnes. “Even though nearly two-thirds of Rep. Steele and Rep. Tisdel’s districts voiced their support for abortion rights when they voted to pass Prop 3 in 2022, these out-of-touch Republicans still voted with the radical Freedom Caucus to keep forcing these archaic laws onto Michiganders. This legislation is a huge step forward, but we know we need to build on this progress, especially for communities of color. Michigan Democrats won’t stop fighting to make reproductive care more accessible to build a more just Michigan for all.”
While there is still more work to do to strengthen abortion rights and access in Michigan, this vital package is a major advancement after 40 years of Republican opposition to reproductive freedom. Despite voters’ overwhelming support for reproductive freedom, almost every single Republican tried to keep Michigan in the past by voting against the Reproductive Health Act. These laws are just another example of Michigan Democrats’ work toward reproductive justice in the face of a Republican Party willing to do anything to outlaw abortion, no matter who it hurts.
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