Earlier this month, I attended a bill signing ceremony at Hazel’s Restaurant in Birmingham at which Governor Whitmer signed 3 bills repealing Michigan’s 1931 law banning abortion. These bills were a “clean up” after the passage of Proposal 3, which enshrined reproductive freedom in Michigan’s state constitution.
This bill signing only occurred because enough people worked hard to get Proposal 3 on the ballot, to ensure its passage (56.7% of the vote) and to elect Democratic candidates to the Michigan House and Senate, creating the Democratic “trifecta” that was needed to pass this legislation. Getting involved in politics is often frustrating and difficult, but it does bring about results.
I talked to many interesting people at this invitation-only event (I had worked with one of the sponsors), including obstetrician-gynecologists, legislative aids, a clinic escort, an attorney, various nonprofit representatives and Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter.
Several attendees suggested that a great way to help this cause is to donate to
Their mission is to “fuel individuals and communities to Reclaim their dignity around, confidence in, and support of abortion and reproductive rights. Reclaim engages in advocacy and public education to provide accurate and thoughtful information on reproductive health in culture and society.”
My interest in attending this event was to follow up my essay on Catholic healthcare institutions and the standard of care for treating women and girls, since Catholic health care institutions are common in Michigan:
Percentage of hospital beds in Catholic hospitals, 2020, source: Community Catalyst
Catholic hospitals deviate from the standard of care for the reproductive health of women and girls because they are bound by religious Directives that overrule medical standards. For example, they will not do tubal ligations after birth and may delay care for pregnancy complications, endangering the health of the pregnant woman or girl, until there is no evidence of life in the fetus. I believe patients should be informed of these deviations in advance and their written consent should be required before treatment.
The best way to achieve this solution may be to enact State legislation requiring that all healthcare institutions detail on their websites and in their admission or consent forms any deviations from the standard of care that may arise due to religious or other directives. I am writing to my State representatives but am interested in working with others on this issue or listening to your comments or suggestions. Email me at Nat@PathologyOutlines.com.
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Nat Pernick
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