Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive directive instructing State of Michigan departments and agencies to review aspects of reproductive rights that fall within their jurisdiction and identify ways they can protect and increase protections for the fundamental right to reproductive healthcare under the Michigan Constitution. The governor is taking this action in advance of reproductive freedom being enshrined in the Michigan Constitution on December 24th following the passage of Proposal 3.
“In November, Michiganders of every background made history and sent a clear message: that a woman must be able to make her own healthcare decisions without the interference of politicians in Lansing,” said Governor Whitmer. “Today, my administration is taking the first step to support and protect this fundamental right for every Michigander. I will continue to use every tool in my toolbox to defend Michiganders’ reproductive freedom, and work with anyone to build a thriving, competitive Michigan we can be proud to pass on to future generations.”
At the signing, the governor was joined by representatives from ACLU Michigan, Michigan Voices, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, reproductive health care providers, and women who participated in roundtable discussions the governor held on abortion access with women of all political backgrounds.
Governor Whitmer’s Executive Directive instructs all State of Michigan departments and agencies to review aspects of reproductive rights that fall within their jurisdiction and identify and assess their operations to both ensure that they provide the maximum protection possible for reproductive freedom and that they identify opportunities to proactively increase protections for reproductive freedom.
Departments and agencies must also identify any laws, regulations, or policies within their jurisdiction that conflict with the constitutional right to reproductive freedom, work with the Attorney General to address these conflicts, and ensure that their public-facing material is up to date and complies with the recent constitutional amendment.
Additionally, departments and agencies with enforcement responsibilities must continue to decline to cooperate or assist any authority in any investigation or proceeding against an individual for obtaining, providing, or assisting another to obtain or provide reproductive health care.
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