2023

“Economic and social policies as well as organization of the work world should be continually evaluated in light of their impact on the strength and stability of family life.” —United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Portions of the Growing Michigan Together Council final report issued today are welcome and deserve legislative support, however, policies that emphasize family life and encourage married couples to have and raise children in Michigan are unfortunately missing from the group’s recommendations to help grow the state’s population, MCC stated after the council’s report was released to the public.

A happy family going for a walk in the forest during the fall

To grow Michigan’s stagnant population, policymakers should view proposed solutions through the lens of supporting family life by making it easier to have and raise children in this state, according to a letter from MCC to the Governor’s council tasked with recommending policy goals to grow Michigan’s population.

Participants in the Michigan March for Life holding a Choose Life banner

In a statement, MCC highlighted the legislative and grassroots advocacy against the Reproductive Health Act that prevented several alarming policies from becoming law. However, MCC called attention to the repeal of health and safety standards required of the abortion industry in Michigan, along with many other common-sense limits on abortion in the RHA. The Catholic Conference again urged lawmakers to prioritize policies that help both mothers and their children.

The dome of the Michigan State Capitol building

In response to the state Senate passing several bills on a party-line vote tied to the Reproductive Health Act (RHA), MCC issued a statement calling out senators for inoculating abortion businesses from minimal levels of transparency and accountability and repealing laws that protect the health and safety of women.

The Reproductive Health Act would remove licensing and inspection requirements on abortion clinics and the 24-hour waiting period to provide women informed consent about abortion, two policies that Michigan voters across the board still strongly support.

Michigan Catholic Conference is urging state senators to stop and consider the health and safety of women as well as the voices of Michigan voters if they decide to take up the Reproductive Health Act (RHA), after a Senate committee voted today to move the extreme legislation to the Senate floor.

A young, pregnant woman sitting on her sofa, looking concerned.

The Catholic Conference is calling on the consciences of members of the House and Senate to oppose appalling legislation passed by the House Health Policy Committee this morning that overturns widely-supported limitations on abortion and policies that require accountability and transparency over Michigan abortion facilities.

An expectant mother smiling at her daughter, who is listening to the baby's heartbeat

In responding to Gov. Whitmer’s fall policy speech today, MCC committed to opposing the abortion lobby’s interest in overturning long-standing and widely-supported limits on abortion while also offering support for a fair and just paid family leave policy in Michigan.

A young girl in a session with her therapist

Two bills recently approved by the Michigan Legislature that restrict speech in counselor-patient settings should be rejected by Gov. Whitmer on the grounds that the language is too broad and goes well beyond its intended purpose of protecting children from abhorrent practices, MCC said in a statement.

A child and their parent holding hands, walking down a sidewalk.

MCC commended lawmakers from both parties and chambers for providing broad support for legislation signed into law by Governor Whitmer that will prevent sexual abuse of children and others, as MCC has been advocating for this legislation since 2018 in keeping with the Catholic Church’s commitment to prevent abuse.

From left to right: Jeanne Damer and her daughters Sophia, an Oxford High School senior; Isabella, a Michigan State University junior; Mia, an Oxford freshman; and her husband Pat in front of Oxford High School.

For the first time, Focus — Michigan Catholic Conference’s quarterly publication that examines public policy issues through the lens of Catholic social teaching — is addressing the topic of gun violence with the hope of provoking thoughtful reflection for readers mindful of differing perspectives about guns and gun regulation.

Strategy to Promote Family Life & Birth Rates in Michigan Missing from Population Council Report

MCC Urges Governor’s Population Council to Focus on Family Growth and Support

Catholic Conference Applauds Pro-Life Efforts Against RHA as Governor Signs Watered-Down Package

State Senate Votes to Exempt Abortion Providers from Accountability Standards

Senate Committee Sides with Abortion Industry over Michigan Voters; Health and Safety of Women

MCC Calls for Greater Respect for Women’s Health and Safety After Appalling RHA Legislation Emerges from Committee

Catholic Conference Responds to Gov. Whitmer's Comments on Abortion, Paid Family Leave

Catholic Conference Raises Concerns With Scope of Bills Restricting Counselors’ Speech

Catholic Conference Welcomes New Laws to Protect Children

Catholic Conference Publishes Response to Ongoing Gun Violence