This week’s Left of Lansing podcast is posted! It’s the 13th episode!!!

While I’m excited to reach the 13th episode, this has been a consequential week when it comes to the reproductive rights of Michigan women.

The extreme right-wing Republican-led state legislature passed a handful of bills that bans a procedure known as Dilation & Evacuation abortions. This rare procedure is performed when medical professionals “severe fetal abnormalities” that could cause harm to the mother.

But despite these medical professionals’ opposition to these draconian bills, Republicans still passed the bills. Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer will veto the bills, but anti-choice/anti-science groups are already preparing a ballot drive to ban this procedure. And if they get the required signatures to put the issue on the ballot, the Republican legislature can intervene, and pass the bill to bypass a second Whitmer veto.

Please, read Julia Pulver’s piece on Michigan Advance titled, “Abortion 101: Because our lawmakers need a refresher.” It’s a great piece, and it illustrates why we need Pulver in the state legislature now!

I highlight how young progressive women in our state legislatures fought against these War On Women bills. Thank you, State Representatives Vanessa Guerra (Saginaw) and Laurie Pohutsky (Livonia), and State Senator Mallory McMorrow.

This is why we must continue fighting. My guest this week, Chris Savage, from the progressive Michigan political site, Eclectablog, echoes the same sentiment. Chris is also Chair of the Washtenaw County Democratic Party, and he urges that we Michiganders stay involved and engaged in our state’s political game. While the national news is indeed important, change can happen faster right here in Michigan.

Don’t forget to visit the Eclectablog podcast, which is GOTMFV Show (let’s see if you can figure out the acronym). And visit this post on Eclectablog, detailing where states stand on pro-choice rights. Note: Michigan banned choice before Roe v. Wade.

I highlight how Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s fight to hold corporations accountable for putting poisonous PFAS in several water systems throughout the state.

Please, read this expose from The Detroit Free Press on how 3M knew for decades (allegedly) that the PFAS it used would cause health problems to both humans and the environment.

You can always email me: leftoflansing@gmail.com

Remember, stay engaged, and…

Take The Battle To Them!

Enjoy!