Michigan Lawmaker Undergoes Sterilization Due to Concerns Over Reproductive Rights Under Trump Administration
Michigan State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky announced she underwent sterilization due to concerns over reproductive rights under President Trump's administration and the potential loss of access to birth control.
A Michigan Democratic state lawmaker stated that she underwent sterilization to prevent pregnancy during President Donald Trump's tenure. "Just under two weeks ago, I underwent surgery to ensure that I would never have to navigate a pregnancy in Donald Trump's America," Michigan State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky remarked.
Pohutsky made these striking comments outside the Michigan State Capitol while addressing a group of protesters involved in the 50501 movement, which aimed to organize 50 protests in 50 states in one day against the Trump administration.
"I refuse to let my body be treated as currency by an administration that only sees value in my ability to procreate," she asserted.
Since his presidency began, Trump has implemented executive orders that halted federal funding for abortions and reinstated the Mexico City policy, which cuts U.S. funding for overseas abortions.
Despite Trump's moderate stance on the issue, which favors state-level decisions over a nationwide ban, it does not satisfy Pohutsky. She expressed her concerns about future access to birth control as a reason for her decision to undergo sterilization.
"If you know people who are questioning how serious this is, I'm going to repeat myself: A sitting government official opted for voluntary sterilization because she was uncertain she would be able to access contraception in the future," Pohutsky explained.
The lawmaker faced ridicule online after her statement, including comments from billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, who remarked, "Natural selection. Darwin was right."
Pohutsky also pointed out the irony of conservative men taking offense at her personal health care decision, stressing that it highlights insecurities regarding reproductive rights.
Other Democratic lawmakers have similarly opposed Trump's policies, with California officials approving significant spending to counter his administration's initiatives, and Chicago leaders urging residents to resist ICE deportations.
"The actions coming from the White House are rooted in xenophobic, nativist and racist lies. We must hold the line and push back every single time -- as we've done before," stated Rep. Jesús "Chuy" García.
