Case Study
In Michigan, Michigan Voices and their partners have been engaging communities across the state for the right to reproductive health care and bodily autonomy.
The Challenge
Organizing has never been more crucial following the SCOTUS decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in June 2022. The right to reproductive health care for millions of people is on the line especially for BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and immigrant communities. In fact, Black women in Michigan are 3 times more likely to die from pregnancy related causes than white women.
Access to abortion in MI is at a greater risk due to a 1931 law making abortion illegal and threatening doctors who provide abortion services with prison for up to 15 years. As a result of SCOTUS’ decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, this law is at risk of going back into effect.
If this law goes into effect it will be much more difficult for Michiganders across the state to access reproductive care including abortions. Now more than ever, we need to fight back against these restrictions.
The Approach
Michigan Voices joins partners like LGBT Detroit, Michigan Organization on Adolescent Sexual Health, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, and ACLU of Michigan to fight for Michigan Reproductive Freedom for All.
This is a campaign to get an amendment passed to make sure no one goes to prison for providing safe medical care while also safeguarding access to reproductive health care generally, including abortion access.
This proposal will affirm that every Michigander has the fundamental right to reproductive freedom, which involves the right to make and carry out decisions without political interference about all matters relating to pregnancy, including birth control, abortion, prenatal care, and childbirth.
Sommer Foster and Tamika Ramsey, Co-Directors of Michigan Voices, with Alexis Anderson-Reed, Chief Executive Officer with State Voices, at the White House
“Through the Reproductive Freedom for All ballot initiative in Michigan, voters are on the ground holding the line against those who threaten our bodily autonomy. They’re taking change into their own hands, and setting an example for the rest of the country to follow. Michiganders are showing their neighbors that the power of voters can’t be underestimated.”
Our Impact
Michigan Voices’ partners have been building with their communities around this by canvassing, going door-to-door, hosting educational events, attending cultural events, and more. The petition is a digital petition that partners can share online, as well.
In July 2022, Reproductive Freedom For All submitted petition signatures to apply to get on the ballot in November. The petition reached over 753K signatures – well over the 425K that were required!
Conclusion
People in Michigan believe in reproductive freedom.
Reproductive health care is deeply personal. It’s also intertwined in the health of our entire community. Because we keep us safe more than any outside interest. Access to reproductive health care is an economic justice issue. It’s about ensuring folks have the means they need to thrive and live full lives.
Across the country, people understand how critical reproductive freedom is to our democracy.
Reproductive Freedom For All advocates and supporters rally outside the Michigan State Capitol ahead of the Michigan Supreme Court’s decision to move forward with the inclusion of the proposal on the 2022 ballot.
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