Last year, after the Dobbs decision was released, tens of millions of Americans across the nation had their fundamental right to make their own decisions about their own bodies and lives stripped away. Governor Whitmer issued the following statement in advance of the recognized one-year anniversary of the United States Supreme Court’s ruling in Dobbs v Jackson overturning Roe v Wade.
“As reproductive freedom remains under attack in other states, we are taking action to guarantee that Michiganders have the right to make reproductive health care decisions that are best for them. We have made real progress, but the work must continue,” said Gov. Whitmer. “It is my hope that the legislature will repeal laws that make it harder for women to exercise their right to access abortion care, including laws that mandate biased, medically inaccurate counseling, discriminatory waiting periods, and put obstructive, targeted regulations on women’s health providers. I will keep using every tool in my toolbox to support, protect, and affirm reproductive freedom in Michigan, and I’ll keep fighting to make our state a welcoming beacon of opportunity where anyone can envision a future.”
Before the Dobbs ruling, the governor filed a lawsuit asking the Michigan Supreme Court to recognize a constitutional right to an abortion under the Michigan constitution and won an injunction on the state’s 1931 abortion ban. The governor also signed an executive directive instructing state departments to increase protections for reproductive healthcare.
Following the Dobbs ruling, the governor took bold steps to protect access to safe, legal abortion and reproductive healthcare services in Michigan, such as repealing the 1931 abortion ban, signing an executive order refusing to extradite women or health care providers who seek reproductive freedom in Michigan, launching public awareness campaigns to educate Michiganders about the availability of no-cost contraception, and expanding access to birth control to more Michiganders.
“In the year since the Dobbs decision, Michigan has led the nation in protecting and affirming reproductive freedom for all,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “Thanks to our efforts, not a single day has gone by in which Michiganders could not access abortion care. Governor Whitmer and I are committed to using every tool in our toolbox to protect reproductive freedoms, close health equity gaps in underrepresented communities, and ensure every person can reach their full potential right here in Michigan.”
