LEO Statements on SCOTUS Ruling and the Impact on Michigan Women, Families and Economy

Following the US Supreme Court ruling that overturned the landmark Roe v. Wade decision and decimated the constitutional right to an abortion, top leadership from the Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) spoke out on the ripple effects the decision will have on Michigan women, families and our economy for decades to come.

“The decision to end access to safe, legal abortion will place yet another harsh barrier to opportunities and prosperity for millions of Michiganders and further threaten their financial stability and security,” said Susan Corbin, LEO director. “Access to abortion has meant higher levels of education and professional achievements for women and lower rates of child poverty. Coupled with our country’s lack of national paid parental leave, fully funded child care and equal pay for women, this decision will have lasting, detrimental ripple effects that will hurt the health and wealth of our people and our economy.”

“The Poverty Task Force has worked to remove barriers to prosperity for struggling Michigan families,” said Kim Trent, LEO deputy director of Prosperity and head of the task force. “When people are forced to carry a pregnancy to term against their will, everyone suffers. Far too often, poverty is criminalized, with parents losing custody of their children because they cannot provide adequate food, water, housing and other life staples. Forcing people to become parents while denying them access to resources is cruel and immoral.”

“Access to the full range of reproductive health care options provides vital economic security for people who become pregnant,” said Cheryl Bergman, CEO of the Michigan Women's Commission. “The choices of whether or when to have a child are fundamental decisions for any individual – ones that carry life-altering financial, social, physical and emotional consequences. Today’s decision is immoral, unjust, and we will fight as hard as we can in Michigan to protect women and families.”