LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — A number of Michigan lawmakers issued statements following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe verses Wade on Friday, June 24.
State Representative Christine Morse (D-Texas Township) said the decision to overturn Roe ignores 50 years of women’s right to bodily autonomy.
“Further, women are not even included in the Constitution, it is absurd to base a decision, especially one of this magnitude, on the fact that a medical procedure was not specifically included in the Constitution. The Supreme Court is essentially stating that women have no right to decide what happens in their own bodies, which should be a basic human right. I am one of thousands and thousands of women who had to make this choice, and my decision to have an abortion saved my life; that choice is now gone. Access to reproductive health is a basic human right, and I will not stop fighting until this human right is again secured for all citizens.”
In his statement, State Senator Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo) said, “The decision of when or if to have kids is not an easy one, especially with so much going on in the world culturally, politically, and economically. It is appalling that the highest Court in the land — whose opinion on this matter doesn’t reflect most of this nation, no less — has decided to strip this constitutional right from the American people. Such a decision has, and should continue to be, made by the pregnant individual, their health care provider, and those they love — without interference by a government institution. “This opinion is a call to action. We have seen nationally how far those who oppose the freedom to decide will go, and we cannot let up in Michigan. I am committed to joining other elected officials who understand and appreciate the need for access to safe, legal abortions and will do whatever I can to protect the freedoms people deserve.”
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson called the Supreme Court’s decision a devastating blow to freedom in America.
“It does not align with the will of the people. It was not achieved through democratic means, and it does not reflect who we are as Americans. The fight for a country that reflects, respects, and protects the voice of all Americans will continue. And I will continue to fight to ensure our elections enable every voice to be heard, every vote to be counted, and the will of the people to prevail.”
In her statement State Representative Julie Rogers (D-Kalamazoo) said that the Supreme Court’s taking away a person’s right to bodily autonomy is a violation of human rights.
“For nearly 50 years, the right to access safe, legal abortions has been protected, allowing a person to decide if and when the time was right for them to have children. While Dobbs was already excessively restrictive in limiting access to abortion at 15 weeks, the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe turns the clock back to a time when women’s rights were egregiously violated. As the battle for abortion rights continues in Michigan, know that I am committed to fighting to protect every Michigander’s right to decide their reproductive health care.”
Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) called Friday’s decision one of common sense, one that pro-life Americans have been waiting for.
“This ruling confirms there is no constitutional right to end the life of an innocent, unborn child. The decision correctly restores power usurped by the courts to the states and the representatives elected by the people. While today’s announcement is historic, the pro-life movement cannot waiver in protecting these innocent lives. I will continue to stand up for the unborn in the days ahead and stand against those who seek to enshrine policies that embrace abortion on demand.”
