Learn more below about the “Reproductive Freedom for All” statewide petition drive to amend the Michigan constitution to allow abortion at any time during pregnancy.
Catholic residents of Michigan may encounter in public locations petition gatherers asking for your signature on a form that begins “Constitutional Amendment to: establish new individual right to reproductive freedom…”
Michigan’s bishops are encouraging Catholics not to sign this petition. Here’s why:
Organizations in Michigan, including Planned Parenthood and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), have formed a ballot committee to raise funds and organizational support to pass this pro-abortion constitutional amendment. The Reproductive Freedom for All constitutional amendment is not about reproductive freedom, which already exists. Planned Parenthood and the ACLU’s amendment would radically distort Michigan’s Constitution to create a new unlimited right to abortion, which would spill over and affect many other issues. If passed, the amendment would go into effect whether or not the U.S. Supreme Court soon allows states to decide their own abortion policy.
To place a question on the November statewide ballot the proponents of this abortion amendment must collect 425,059 valid signatures from Michigan voters and submit those signatures to the State by July 11, 2022.
Coalition formed to oppose the “Reproductive Freedom for All” petition
To oppose this petition, a coalition of organizations committed to protecting the lives of unborn children and supporting their mothers has formed. Citizens to Support Michigan Women and Children includes Michigan Catholic Conference and Right to Life of Michigan.
Please carefully consider the impact of this proposed policy on unborn children and the health and well-being of their mothers. Rather than abortion, women should be provided love, compassion and support through pregnancy and into each child’s early years.
Visit supportmiwomenandchildren.org for more information.
Read/Learn about:
Walking with moms experiencing unexpected or difficult pregnancies
Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization – The SCOTUS case that could overturn Roe v. Wade
Bishop Walkowiak’s March 2022 FAITHGR magazine column: Building a culture of life means changing hearts and minds
