Michigan state Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia) said Wednesday that she underwent surgery earlier this year to become voluntarily sterile out of fear for the future of reproductive health care access with President Donald Trump back in office.
“Just under two weeks ago, I underwent surgery to ensure that I would never have to navigate a pregnancy in Donald Trump’s America,” Pohutsky said. “I refuse to let my body be treated as currency by an administration that only sees value in my ability to procreate.
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Pohutsky was speaking to hundreds of protesters who gathered Wednesday on the lawn of the Michigan Capitol as part of the national “50501 Movement,” which aimed to hold 50 protests in 50 states on one day. Other demonstrations were held at state capitals in West Virginia, Georgia, Alaska, Arizona, Florida and Washington state.
Several Michigan protesters’ signs warned of fascism, Nazis and coups. While many signs criticized Trump, Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency were another popular target.
The event was briefly interrupted when state Rep. Matt Maddock (R-Millford), a longtime Trump ally, appeared near the Michigan Capitol’s steps.
“The only way to stop left-wing fascism is to stand up and confront left-wing fascists,” Maddock posted on social media.
Event organizers instructed the crowd to not engage with Maddock while he walked back through the middle of the audience and down the sidewalk.
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“It’s about damn time that we showed up, stood up and took our government back,” said El-Sayed, who ran for governor as a Democrat in 2018.
The protest was one of the largest showings from Democrats since Trump regained control of the White House on Jan. 20. The People’s March, a progressive protest held at the Michigan Capitol before Trump’s inauguration, did not draw any Democratic state or federal officials.
Pohutsky said government officials need to similarly begin doing more to counter Trump.
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* Original Article:
https://www.alternet.org/amp/trump-abortion-2671108103-2671108103