Michigan Gov. Whitmer calls for repeal of Michigan’s 1931 abortion law

By

James Sklar

|

For the first time in over 40 years, there is a Democratic House, Senate, and governor in the state of Michigan. With a trifecta government, many sources have been anticipating that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer would share the healthcare-related priorities she hopes to accomplish over the next four years while she’s in office during her State of the State address.

 

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“The State of the State address is an opportunity to talk about the issues that make a real difference in people’s lives and focus on what we’re going to get done this year,” Whitmer said. “I can’t wait to share my vision for our state as we move towards our bright future, and lay out my plans to lower costs, bring supply chains and manufacturing home to Michigan, and ensure Michiganders have unparalleled economic opportunity and personal freedom.” 

That is exactly what Whitmer did on Wednesday. She delivered the State of State in Lansing, Michigan, which was held in person for the first time since 2020 following COVID-19. Her speech focused on five main topics regarding tax changes, education policies, essential freedoms, public safety, and infrastructure.

Under the essential freedoms section of Whitmer’s speech, she spoke about wanting to attract and retain young people by standing up for their freedoms. She referenced Proposal 3, and that the people of Michigan should be able to make their own decisions about their own body.

“Let’s repeal our extreme 1931 law banning abortion,” Whitmer said. “Let’s repeal other dangerous laws prohibiting people from accessing reproductive healthcare or shaming them for seeking it in the first place.”

Whitmer called on the legislature to repeal Michigan’s 1931 law banning abortion, and she thanked the Michigan’s Progressive Women’s Caucus for their leadership on the issue. She specifically thanked Rep. Lauren Pohutsky (D – Livonia) and Sen. Erika Geiss (D – Taylor) for introducing legislation to repeal Michigan’s 1931 abortion law.

Whitmer spoke about how protecting these freedoms is the right thing to do and that it’s just good economics because states with extreme laws lose talent and investment. She explained that she wants to go on the offense and fight for people’s freedom.

“Together, we are going to change Michigan from a state with century-old bans to forward looking protections,” Whitmer said.

She closed out her speech by quoting Coach Campbell and putting on her iconic Detroit Lions GRIT cap.