FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News from Progress Michigan
November 2, 2023
Contact: Denzel McCampbell, denzel@progressmichigan.org
Progress Michigan Statement on Passage of Pared-Down Reproductive Health Act
Legislation represents a step forward, although incomplete
MICHIGAN – On Wednesday, the Michigan House of Representatives approved the Reproductive Health Act (RHA). The following response can be attributed to Denzel McCampbell, managing director of Progress Michigan:
“The passage of the RHA is an important win for reproductive freedom in Michigan and will remove critical barriers that stand between Michiganders and the healthcare they need. We are incredibly grateful to the lawmakers who worked tirelessly to get it passed, especially Senator Sarah Anthony and Representative Laurie Pohutsky. At the same time, we recognize that this is a scaled-back version of the original bill’s language, as certain reforms—including the elimination of the 24-hour waiting period for abortion patients—were left out due to Democratic Rep. Karen Whitsett’s obstruction.
“Of course, Rep. Whitsett is far from the only obstacle to progress on reproductive healthcare. Even this incomplete version of the RHA passed with zero Republican support—unsurprisingly, considering the majority of Republican lawmakers voted to keep a full abortion ban in place. Michigan Republicans’ consistent efforts to step between patients and their doctors and keep people from making decisions about their own reproductive health are despicable and show how out of touch they are with Michigan voters.
“Today, we’re celebrating a significant win and the positive impact it will have on the lives of people across the state. But the fight for reproductive freedom isn’t over—not here in Michigan, and certainly not nationwide—and we will not stop fighting until everyone can access the care they need without fear, shame, or arbitrary restrictions.”
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