Response to Recent SCOTUS Leak
The Current State Of Abortion And Reproductive HealthCare Access In Michigan
Although the potential for more than 2 million Michiganders to lose access to abortion services looms on the horizon, that is not the case today. To counter possible misinformation and ensure that those needing care can get accurate information on which to base their healthcare decisions, we’ve compiled the following facts which outline the current status of services in Michigan and what you can do to help preserve the right to reproductive health care.
- Access to abortion services in Michigan remains a right protected by the U.S. Constitution and therefore, is legal.
More detail can be found here.
The Supreme Court’s draft opinion in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization that was reported on Monday, is just that – a draft. A draft opinion does not fully represent the court’s final decision and does not have the force of law.
The Supreme Court’s final opinion will be issued this summer.
- If Roe v. Wade is overturned and in the absence of state orders or legislation that protect access to abortion care, a 1931 Michigan law, known as “Act 328” would take effect.
- There are several efforts underway to protect abortion access in Michigan if the federal protections in Roe v. Wade end.
One is a statewide petition drive to put a measure on the November ballot and allow Michigan voters to decide if abortion access should be a protected right under the state constitution.
A second effort is a lawsuit filed by Governor Whitmer aimed at overturning Act 328.
Last year, legislators in Michigan also introduced the Michigan Reproductive Health Act (HB5542) that would ensure an individual’s freedom to make decisions about their own reproductive health, including having an abortion.
What you can do
- Take care of yourself and your networks. Check in with those who may be impacted by this week’s news.
- Do not spread misinformation, but do share information about happenings at the state and national level.
- Be aware of how you speak about abortion and other forms of reproductive healthcare. For example:
- Get active and explore available resources and activities, like:
- Contacting your elected officials
- Checking out efforts like the Reproductive Freedom for All ballot petition
- Learn about local, state, or federal organizations dedicated to providing reproductive healthcare services and supports such as:
Where We Stand
For more than fifty years, YWCAs across the country have supported the reproductive freedom of all people to make fundamental decisions about whether and when to have children. In 2020, the YWCA West Central Michigan Board of Directors approved our agency’s public policy agenda. It covers several issue areas deemed vital to the YWCA’s mission — Eliminating racism; Empowering women and girls; Promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Key among these issues is reproductive health and health care.