Michigan’s Constitution protects the right to reproductive freedom, including abortion, contraception, pregnancy, and decisions about starting or growing a family. But those rights and access to care continue to be challenged.
Federal policies are impacting Michiganders seeking care
Michigan’s feeling the rippling effects of the Trump Administration’s reconciliation bill, known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which received the support of every Republican member of Congress. Planned Parenthood affiliates across the country have been forced to restructure their operations to continue care for the patients who rely on them. In Michigan, escalating attacks on sexual and reproductive health care nationwide have led Planned Parenthood to close several locations across the state, expand telehealth services, and eliminate its education department.
What you can do
Community action makes a difference. The closing of the three Planned Parenthood clinics in Warren, Livonia, and Lansing left Ferndale as the only facility in the area to provide critical healthcare. Following hours of public testimony, the Oakland County commissioners voted on Aug. 14 to allocate $1.5 million for healthcare services at the facility. The contract runs through August 2028.
Here’s how you can get involved in the fight for reproductive rights in Michigan.
Become a clinic escort volunteer: Volunteer at a reproductive health clinic to help patients safely navigate protesters and get into the clinic.
- Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan Clinic Escort Volunteer Programs are available in Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor. Attend training to learn the responsibilities of a clinic escort volunteer, practical communication and de-escalation techniques, and what to expect during a shift. Click here to view a list of upcoming training sessions.
Attend a reproductive rights event: Show up in your community. Attend a rally, town hall, fundraiser, volunteer event, or other gathering hosted by reproductive-rights organizations.
- The National Black Maternal Health Crisis Art & Film Tour heads to Detroit on Aug. 26–28. Mothering Justice and the national ARIAH Foundation will host In Her Honor, a three-day series of events, including a film screening, gala, and an art exhibit. The events will educate attendees about the maternal health crisis, in which Black women are three times more likely than White women to die from a pregnancy-related cause. RSVP for one or all the events here.
- On Saturday, September 12 in Hamtramck, the Hydra Mutual Aid Fund and community partners will host an Abortion Liberation Fest, a night of action around abortion resources and accessibility. It’s a free event with food, music, and community. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Vote: Learn where candidates stand on reproductive rights before you vote.
- Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan offers a candidate guide and list of endorsed candidates to help you research where candidates stand on sexual and reproductive rights.
- Reproductive Freedom for All is working to elect reproductive freedom champions and hold anti-abortion extremists accountable at the ballot box. View their list of endorsed candidates here.
Are you ready to vote? Use the tool below to register, verify your registration status, find your polling place, and access key voting information. Link in bio.
