On Tuesday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a series of bills aimed at protecting abortion rights in Michigan. The package of bills, known as the Reproductive Health Act, repealed laws that restricted abortion care and guaranteed access to certain types of reproductive care.

The legislation overturned a 1931 law that criminalized healthcare providers for prescribing abortion medication, which is the most common way abortions are performed. This was a significant victory for women’s rights advocates who have long fought against politically motivated restrictions on reproductive healthcare.

In addition to repealing the TRAP laws and overturning the 1931 law, the package also mandated that students at Michigan universities receive accurate information about reproductive healthcare. This will ensure that young people have access to the information they need to make informed decisions about their own bodies.

Governor Whitmer emphasized that the passage of Proposal 3 was a significant factor in the passing of the Reproductive Health Act. She stated that this new legislation will lower costs for patients and providers while protecting every Michigander’s constitutional right to make their own decisions about their own body.

The RHA is a step forward in expanding access to healthcare and protecting people’s personal freedoms. It will help remove unnecessary and burdensome regulations that have hindered providers and patients alike. Governor Whitmer’s office asserts that this action marks a significant step forward in protecting reproductive rights and ensuring access to safe and affordable healthcare for all Michiganders.