GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The passage of Proposal 3 by voters in November to enshrine abortion in the constitution and the repeal of Michigan’s 1931 abortion ban would appear to most to be a victory lap for reproductive freedom goals of state Democrats.
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However, the “fight like hell” for reproductive freedom crowd doesn’t appear to be resting on their laurels. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is not done increasing “reproductive freedom” in Michigan.
As other states work to erode your reproductive freedom, I’m fighting like hell to expand it. You’re always welcome in Michigan.
— Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) April 13, 2023
Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia), who sponsored the legislation that repealed the 1931 abortion ban earlier this month, said “this is far from the end of the story.” She said her colleagues in the Democrat-controlled Michigan House will continue expanding access to reproductive health care.
Expanding that access is where Michiganders could find Rep. Phil Skaggs (D-East Grand Rapids) on Saturday. He spent part of the day putting together “abortion patient care packages” with Michigan Planned Parenthood and Michigan Planned Parenthood Advocates.
On Saturday, Rep. Phil Skaggs (D-East Grand Rapids) tweeted about how he spent his morning.
Spent the morning with @PPofMI and @mippadvocates volunteers putting together abortion patient care packages and talking about how the work of defending reproductive freedom in Michigan is not over even after Proposal 3 passed and we repealed the 1931 ban.🧵1️⃣ pic.twitter.com/K5sO8ijt9w
— Phil Skaggs (@philipskaggs) April 15, 2023
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Michigan Planned Parenthood, which provides abortions, gender-transition services, and contraception, also offers “Abortion Care Baskets” for patients who’ve undergone abortions. According to their website, Michiganders can help send them “cozy aftercare kits” which include menstrual pads, heating pads, ice packs, peppermint tea, candy, and a handwritten card.
Skaggs, who has also proposed changing Michigan’s state flag, was quick to add that abortion remains legal in Michigan while issues over medication abortion are being sorted out in the court system. U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito placed a hold on a lower court ruling that restricts access to the abortion drug mifepristone.
“Mifepristone can be prescribed by doctors while this works through courts,” Rep. Skaggs tweeted, referencing a recent Court of Appeals decision which “Abortion will remain legal in Michigan even if this politically-motivated ruling stands, however providers will be forced to comply with unnecessary restrictions.”