CHICAGO — The American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Michigan today filed a government complaint against a Catholic health care provider that refused medically necessary treatment to a pregnant woman on religious grounds.

Monday will go down in history as day of celebration. In a total victory for reproductive freedom, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decisive ruling on Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt, the most important abortion rights case before the high court in over 20 years. 

But of course in Michigan, the big question is: How does the Supreme Court's decision affect abortion access in our state? 

CINCINNATI — A federal appeals court will today hear a case brought by the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of Tamesha Means, a pregnant woman who was denied emergency medical treatment for a miscarriage because the hospital was prohibited from providing appropriate care by religious directives written by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The directives prohibit doctors working at Catholic hospitals from terminating a woman's pregnancy or providing information about abortion, even when the woman's health or life is at risk.

Unfortunately, it’s increasingly a common story. A woman who is expecting a baby rushes to the hospital knowing that something is going horribly awry. Her heart rate is elevated, and she is bleeding. Sadly, the pregnancy is doomed. Crying and upset, she realizes she needs an abortion because she knows the pregnancy won’t make it to term. And she knows she is getting sicker.   

DETROIT – The American Civil Liberties Union and MergerWatch today released reports that reveal that one in six hospital beds in the United States is in a facility that complies with the Catholic Directives that prohibit a range of health care services even when a woman’s life or health is in jeopardy. In some states, more than 40 percent of all hospital beds are in a Catholic facility, leaving entire regions without any option for certain reproductive health care.

ACLU at the Michigan Capitol – April 21, 2016

In these weeks before the legislature breaks for summer campaign season, they will be focused on two goals: finalizing fiscal years 2017/2018 budget (a two year rolling budget) and getting publicity for a number of bills that they deem good for their political campaign in advance of the August primary.

ACLU at the Michigan Capitol – February 8, 2016

This week as the legislature begins to move bills through the legislative process, below are three specific areas where our supporters can be impactful:

Today marks the 43rd anniversary of Roe v. Wade—the landmark Supreme Court decision that guarantees all women a constitutional right to an abortion in the United States. Yet for many reproductive rights advocates, Roe day has become a day of concern, not celebration.

On Thursday, Dec.3, the first of three victims of the shooting rampage at a Planned Parenthood in Colorado Springs was laid to rest. While our thoughts and prayers were with the victims who were killed or injured, the Senate leadership was doubling down on its intent to divest millions of Americans access to necessary healthcare by defunding Planned Parenthood

ACLU at the Michigan Capitol – November 16, 2015