LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a package of bills known as the Reproductive Health Act (RHA) into law on Tuesday, despite bipartisan opposition. 

“The Reproductive Health Act lowers costs for patients and providers and protects every Michigander’s constitutional right to make their own decisions about their own body,” said Governor Whitmer “For decades, Michigan has had politically motivated, medically unnecessary restrictions on abortion in state law. These politically motivated, medically unnecessary laws criminalized doctors for providing medical care, jacked up out-of-pocket costs for patients, and imposed needless regulations on health centers, forcing many to close. The RHA repeals these laws, taking a huge step forward to expand access to health care and protect people’s personal freedoms.”  

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State Senator Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) shared her support for the eight bill package. 

“By signing the Reproductive Health Act into law today, Michigan is sending a strong message that the right to reproductive healthcare will remain safe and accessible in our state for years to come,” said state Senator Anthony. “By voting to enact Prop. 3 by an overwhelming margin, voters made it clear that the right to an abortion should be available and accessible to all of those who need it in our state. This legislation affirms that decision by removing politically motivated restrictions on the right to an abortion and putting power back in the hands of individuals to make their own healthcare decisions.” 

According to the Governor’s office, the RHA would provide a number of provisions including: repealing Michigan’s TRAP laws, repeals a law criminalizing nurses and doctor for prescribing mifepristone, ensure students at Michigan public universities have access to accurate information about all reproductive health options, and repeal a law forcing patients to buy a separate insurance rider for abortion. 

In November 2022, more than 50% of Michiganders voted for Proposal 3, which enshrined the right to an abortion in the state’s constitution. 

Before the RHA was passed with some limitations, ranking member of the House Health Policy Committee, state Representative Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) would not budge on allowing bills that would have removed the 24-hour waiting period for an abortion, and allowed Medicaid funds for people who have an abortion. Both stipulations were removed from the bill package ahead of the vote. 

In early November, the state of Ohio voted to also enshrine the right to an abortion in the state’s constitution with 57% of voters affirming the decision.