LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – Legislators are continuing work on The Reproductive Health Act, but as committees continue to review the package, Democrats have started to speak out in opposition of portions of the RHA.
Last week, portions the Reproductive Health Act was approved in Michigan’s House Health Policy Committee. During the vote, one democrat voted against passing the bill package, which has raised some concerns on whether or not the RHA will make it to the governor’s desk.
Members of Planned Parenthood of Michigan’s Reproductive Health Act Coalition met to address the rising concern surrounding legislation. Officials on the coalition called for elected officials to follow the will of voters who passed Proposition 3, calling for more reproductive healthcare in 2022.
Dr. Halley Crissman is an OB-GYN with The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists, and a member of the coalition. She explained that there are three main components causing conflict at the moment. The first would provide Medicaid coverage for some types of reproductive health care, another would eliminate the 24 hour waiting period and informed consent laws, and the last overwrites TRAP laws or targeted restrictions on abortion providers.
“These laws are designed with the implication that abortion is dangerous and thus requires special scrutiny and regulation to keep patients safe,” Dr. Crissman explained. “But the reality is, the fact is, that abortion care is extremely safe.”
State representative Karen Whitsett (D) from Michigan’s 4th House district says she voted no because her constituents have said they don’t want to see any further restrictions loosened, but members of PPMI’s RHA coalition say the district voted in favor of similar legislation last fall, with 74% of voters in support.
As lawmakers continue reviewing the legislation in The House, democrats are hoping the RHA will see a vote in the coming weeks, But with the majority at just 56 Democrats to 54 Republicans, one vote could keep the act from passing in the house.
