Michigan Democrats fight to protect reproductive health care rights before losing power

In Michigan, Democrats are advocating for reproductive health care legislation as they prepare to lose their majority in the upcoming legislative session. This push, occurring in December 2024, focuses particularly on the safety of digital health data, aimed at shielding individuals seeking abortions from potential targeting. State Senator Mallory McMorrow has sponsored a digital privacy bill that emphasizes the urgent need to establish protective measures while the Democratic majority is still in power. The legislation includes provisions to restrict how reproductive health data can be used, ensuring that consumers are informed about the usage of their data. This comes in light of concerns that the incoming Republican administration at the federal level may manipulate health data for punitive purposes against those seeking reproductive health services. Over the last two years, Michigan has seen significant legislative actions regarding reproductive rights, including the repeal of a longstanding state ban on abortion and the introduction of new protections for surrogacy. Alongside digital privacy regulations, Democrats are also considering expanding access to birth control and addressing Black maternal health in the current session. However, these initiatives are met with resistance from Republican lawmakers who argue that certain provisions infringe on freedom of speech and impede anti-abortion advertisements. With the state Senate under Democratic control, the window for advancing these progressive policies is rapidly closing, underscoring the urgency felt by party members to enact reforms that will protect reproductive health data and access before the anticipated shift in legislative power occurs.