LANSING, Mich. (June 24, 2022) — Today, Sen. Rosemary Bayer (D-Beverly Hills) issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in their opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization:

“Today, I grieve with the many folks who will be substantially affected by an inability to dictate the decision whether or not to have a family on their own terms.

“This ruling is not just about abortion. It will have wide-reaching impacts on the social, economic, mental, and physical health of those who can become pregnant. As it now stands in Michigan, we have a lot of work to do to address severe needs in our system. If the 1931 statute is not ended, then we must make prenatal and postnatal care, as well as childcare, more affordable and accessible; implement legal protections for those who may become pregnant as a result of incest or rape; extend paid parental leave and increase the minimum wage; as well as reduce the disparity in health care for people of color.

“Quite simply, life exists beyond the womb, and the minority who have driven this decision to fruition have done little to nothing to acknowledge as much. However, I will keep working on these and other policies because to me, people and their quality of life matters more than a catchphrase or election-year pandering to special interests. I welcome all who believe in this mission to join me, and I encourage their help. More than ever, we must come together to take back our rights.”

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