KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — While battles over abortion rage in statehouses nationwide, the fight may be over in Michigan.
Voters have approved a constitutional amendment guaranteeing reproductive rights, and the State Legislature has just removed any remaining barriers created by a 1931 anti-abortion law with Governor Gretchen Whitmer is expected to sign those bills.
In Kalamazoo however, removing the financial barrier to reproductive rights for low income women may soon be up for renewal by the County Board, with Commissioners contributing $90,000 last year.
Adrienne Zaya, Public Policy Coordinator at the YWCA says the two year old program is the first of its kind in the U.S.
“The RHF has funded over three hundred services, included but not limited to doula care, gender affirming care like name changes, emergency contraception and abortion,” said Zaya who says this meets several priorities set by the county board.
“Removing these economic barriers allows individuals to act to access the care they need to live whole, healthy, and authentic lives, reduces health disparities, protects perinatal and maternal health outcomes and improves overall community health,” said Zaya.
The County supplied the funding with the provision that it not be used directly for Abortion services, but for other counseling, birth-control, prenatal and doula services that are available through the program.
To date, have supported it despite some detractors on the board and in the community at large.
reporting from John McNeill
