In the wake of a controversial election and a Post-Roe America, Michigan legislators have elected to add to the state constitution, to ensure that abortion and reproductive care will be available, regardless of federal regulation. There has been a lot of misinformation circulating regarding this proposal, including whispers that this proposal would allow children to make decisions about sterilization and hormones.

I personally have taken the time to read this proposal, which begins with these words, “Every individual has a fundamental right to reproductive freedom, which entails the right to make and effectuate decisions about all matters relating to pregnancy, including but not limited to prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, contraception, sterilization, abortion care, miscarriage management, and infertility care.” Within these words, the long-fought-for abortion access is protected. Many have made arguments that this allows for late-term abortions, which many people from both pro-life and pro-choice arguments disagree with. But, shortly after these words, the proposal states, “Notwithstanding the above, the state may regulate the provision of abortion care after fetal viability,” This line lays guidelines for late-term abortions, allowing decisions to be made regarding the availability of abortions after viability, if not medically necessary. Others have argued that this proposal would allow underage children to obtain access to sterilization, or hormone therapy with the intent of a gender change. The basic laws of Michigan still apply, stating that parents must consent to procedures for a minor, under 18. Overall, Proposal 3 is more beneficial to the majority of citizens. 

By protecting this right to reproductive freedom, we have once again given pregnant individuals the right to bodily autonomy, an essential right. While this proposal has sparked much controversy, one thing remains: Pregnant individuals have the right to a choice, something that should never be infringed upon.