Statement from the Oakland County Democratic Party Chair Nancy Quarles
Re: Today’s Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade
This is an unfortunate day when politics, is the determining fact in women’s health decisions. A medical decision should be made based on the health needs of the person. Today’s decision there will be many of our neighbors, families, and friends whose hands will be tied in America, Michigan, and Oakland County. Personal feelings about abortion and reproductive care procedures should not determine medical decisions. Medical decisions are to be made by the person, family, and medical professional. Not Justices in the high court.
This decision rendered today will cause women in Oakland County to adhere to a 1931 law banning abortion without exceptions for rape or incest and criminalizing doctors and nurses who provide reproductive care. Although a temporary block is on the law, the final decision is pending. The Michigan 1931 law would punish women and strip away their right to make decisions about their own bodies. Needless to say, Women’s right to make decisions about their health is being eroded. This battle is not over; with more than 60% of Americans supporting a woman’s right to make her health decision. The battle will continue until all women’s rights are restored.
-Nancy Quarles, Oakland County Democratic Party Chair
Statement from OCDP Women’s Rights Committee
Today’s ruling by the United States Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade shows a willful disregard for the majority of our nation and serves as a reminder for all Americans: we are in this fight together. Even while we expected this outcome, our hearts are heavy today and we are fearful for women, healthcare providers, and LGBTQ+ persons across the country.
In comparison to countries with access to abortion, countries without access record the same rate of abortion and a higher mortality rate. The ban on our bodies will not stop abortions nor will they save lives, rather they will exacerbate healthcare inequities, complicate pregnancies, and increase maternal deaths. We have a responsibility to educate our neighbors, family, and friends on the reality of life without the protections of Roe v. Wade.
We are especially grateful today for the preemptive actions of Governor Whitmer and Attorney General Dana Nessel that will temporarily protect healthcare providers and patients from prosecution, and the many organizations who have worked tirelessly alongside our leaders. Thanks to the ACLU, Planned Parenthood, Fems for Dems, and too many others, our fight can continue with legislative action. The Reproductive Freedom for All initiative will enshrine abortion as a right into the Michigan State Constitution, promising reproductive freedoms forever. Here are two things you can do today to advance the Reproductive Freedom for All initiative:
- Come to 9 Mile Rd and Woodward Ave Ferndale tonight at 8pm for a candlelight vigil. Find a petition circulator and sign the Reproductive Freedom for All ballot proposal.
- Visit https://www.mobilize.us/
mireprofreedom/event/461127/ and request to circulate petitions in your area. Ask your friends, family, acquaintances, and strangers. Emphasize that their signature is not a vote, rather a chance for others to vote on the issue in November. You can find a drop-off location for your petitions here: https://mireproductivefreedom.org/return-your-petition/
Lastly, recognize the vulnerability of this moment as an opportunity to coalesce and recharge. Channel your anger into action by signing the Reproductive Freedom for All initiative, volunteering for Planned Parenthood, or donating to a pro-choice candidate. First, join us TONIGHT at 8pm on the corner of 9 Mile Rd and Woodward Ave for a community vigil to mark this historic day. Petition circulators will be available to accept signatures and provide information on how you can circulate them, too. 8:15pm moment of silence.
Sincerely,
Madiha Tariq, Women’s Rights Committee Chair
Claudia Luckenbach-Boman, Director of Operations
Nancy Quarles, OCDP Chair
