This week, the Michigan Legislature will have the opportunity to vote on a proposal that will endanger women’s access to comprehensive healthcare throughout the state.
As physicians and members of the Michigan Section of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), we know how essential having access to safe, comprehensive healthcare is to the lives of Michigan women and their families.
We strongly oppose any proposal that would prevent insurance companies from covering medically-necessary abortion services that save women’s lives.
This is not merely a political issue: pregnancy-related complications are within the top ten causes of death for women under 35. It is extremely disturbing that excluding coverage for one of the leading causes of death in the country is even being considered in our state.
That’s why the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists published a committee opinion supporting the availability of comprehensive reproductive health services for all women, including:
- Strategies that may reduce unintended pregnancy, such as comprehensive sexuality education and improved access to effective contraceptive methods and emergency contraception for all women wishing to avoid pregnancy.
- Availability of safe, legal and accessible abortion services.
Supporters of this proposal believe that women should have to buy additional, separate insurance for abortion care. We cannot imagine telling a victim of rape or a pregnant woman learning that her child will not survive that she should have had the foresight to purchase extra insurance to cover her medical care.
Our medical insurance covers care for thousands of unforeseeable conditions, from simple flu vaccinations to preventative mental health care. There is no rational or medical reason to place lifesaving reproductive care that saves women’s lives into another category.
As health care providers for women in Michigan, we oppose any legislation that restricts access to the care necessary to preserve and protect our patients.
It is vitally important that this legislation not go up for vote. We urge you to contact your legislator and voice your opposition to this dangerous proposal.
We are counting on your efforts to ensure that the women of Michigan retain access to the legitimate medical services that safeguard their most basic well-being.
Michigan Section of the American Congress of Obstetricians & Gynecologists
Chair: S. Gene McNeeley, M.D., Hutzel Women's Health Specialists
Vice-Chair: Jody Jones, M.D., IHA
Secretary: Cheryl Gibson Fountain, M.D., Beaumont Family Medicine Center
Treasurer: Matthew Allswede, M.D., Sparrow Women's Health Center
