After a series of mixed messages, Michigan’s largest health system on Saturday night officially reversed the attitude of abortion, stating that it would continue its practice of providing abortion when medically needed.
The message from the BHSH system arrived after the US Supreme Court overturned the Roe v. Wade case on Friday. The health system initially followed the guidance of the Abortion Act of 1931 in Michigan (currently not enforced by a temporary injunction) and only allows abortion if necessary to save the life of a pregnant person. I said.
A few hours later, on Friday, BHSH Systems President and CEO Tina Freese Decker said, “We will continue to provide quality reproductive care to all women in Michigan. Both Beaumont Health and Spectrum Health have historically been the lives of their mothers. Performed an abortion when was at risk, and the BHSH system continues this. “
Late Saturday night, the health care system announced that it would revive practices for ending pregnancy when medically needed.
“After thorough evaluation and in-depth discussions, we have always used compassion as a guide to evolve our approach. We continue to provide full support to the BHSH System Board of Directors.
“Currently, the current legal situation regarding abortion in our state is unclear and uncertain. We are aware of the Michigan State Act of 1931, but consider the uncertainties and confusion surrounding its enforcement. And until it becomes clear, we will continue to provide the practices. Abortion if medically necessary. “
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The health system continued to believe that “these decisions are personal and private and are best made between the woman and her doctor.” Last year, the BHSH system stated that there were approximately 60 therapeutic and medically necessary abortions requiring hospital-level care.
The system integrates Grand Rapids-based Spectrum Health with Beaumont Health, which serves Southeast Michigan.
“We have not and will not have selective abortions. We will continue to provide women’s health care, including reproductive needs. We doctors and patients have this difficulty. We will support you through an interdisciplinary local committee as you navigate the situation, “said the statement.
“We urge the Michigan Court to bring clarity as soon as possible.”
Health system updates were sent to and posted to all employees Beaumont Health When Spectrum health Website, BHSH system spokesman Mark Geary said. He returned to his statement when asked why the health system turned the tide.
Despite Rho’s capsizing, abortion is due to a temporary injunction banning the enforcement of state laws prohibiting abortion in all cases, except to save the lives of pregnant people. It remains legal in the state.
It is unclear where in Michigan the court will address this issue, and the healthcare system, including the BHSH system, is addressing an uncertain legal situation.
In the first message Freepress got to employees on Friday, Freeze Decker said: The fetus will not survive.
“By a Supreme Court ruling, the new policies and practices of the BHSH system will allow abortion only when necessary to sustain a woman’s life, in accordance with the guidance of the 1931 Act of Michigan.”
In an email release received on Twitter and after 10 pm on Friday, US Congressman Andy Levin of D-Bloomfield Township told the BHSH system, “The provider is eligible for patients to revoke this policy immediately. He called on us to continue to be able to provide medical care. Under current law and not to bypass the court. “
“We must be very clear. Abortion is still legal in Michigan. Judge Elizabeth Gracher said that if the Roe v. Wade case was overturned, the 1931 law would be suspended. “We have granted a temporary injunction,” said Levin, a member of House Pro Choice Caucus. The Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, BHSH System, which overturned Law, sent a message to all staff that the entire system would comply with the 1931 law. “
Late Saturday night, Levin said on Twitter: Of reproductive services. “
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Other healthcare systems are also making decisions and discussing new legal conditions after Roe’s overthrow.
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Michigan Medicine said on Friday’s Facebook page that it will continue to provide reproductive services, including abortion care. It said it would provide abortion primarily to patients in need of hospital-level care.
“Many of the patients we see are seriously diagnosed with fetal abnormalities, experience other complications that endanger pregnancy and childbirth, and make outpatient treatment of abortion impossible. I have an underlying disorder and other needs. ” “Our commitment is to be there for those in need of the professional care we can provide.”
In a statement, Henry Ford Health said, “As a healthcare provider, we have an unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of the people we serve, and in the medical best interests of our pregnant women. They are responsible for tackling this problem through the lenses of what they become. Their family.
“These patients can face tragicly complex and even life-threatening scenarios. As trusted health advisors, they guide and in some cases save patients through our medical capabilities. Rely on us. The law was born out of the overthrow of the Roe v. Wade case, and our firm dedication to supporting people’s entire health journey remains. “
Contact Christina Hall: [email protected]. Follow her on her Twitter: @challreporter.
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This article was originally published in Detroit Free Press: Michigan’s largest health system reverses abortion stance