Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer struck down funding for a state budget that supports pro-life programs.
The budget would be cut by $20 million, money that would normally be allocated toward adoption agencies and pregnancy centers. The governor claims these are “anti-choice” programs, meaning increasing funding would encourage adoption and carrying a child to full term — what a thought.
“While politicians in other states rush to ban abortion, even in instances of rape or incest, Michigan must remain a place where a woman’s ability to make her own medical decisions with her trusted health care provider is respected,” Whitmer said in a statement.
Naturally, stripping away all the options to decide seems like the best way for women to make an educated decision.
“Gov. Whitmer supports legislation that provides every possible resource to women who are pregnant, seeking to start a family, or those who aren’t ready yet, but she cannot support aspects of a bill that sends millions in taxpayer dollars to fake health centers that intentionally withhold information from women about their health, bodies, and full reproductive freedom,” Bobby Leddy, a spokesperson for Whitmer, said in a statement.
The veto not only restricts funding for regular pregnancy facilities but also cuts the education budget that allows pro-life pregnancy centers on college campuses. So, regardless of if you want to keep the baby or not, Whitmer seems to be taking those resources away.
“We have the largest budget in history, and we want to throw a bone to adoptive parents, and she’s vetoing that? Wow, she’s for women alright,” said Genevieve Marnon, legislative director of the state’s Right to Life organization.
“It’s inexplicable that the governor would refuse to support pregnant community college students who choose to become parents,” state Rep. Thomas Albert (R) told the Detroit Free Press.
The Democratic Party continues to contradict itself. While it advocates for women and their right to decide when it comes to an abortion, it implements legislation and cuts funding for programs that actually enable women to make educated decisions. Cutting these pro-life programs will do more harm than good — and will definitely not grant women a choice.
Esther Wickham is a summer 2022 Washington Examiner fellow.
