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SB 477

Higher education: other; prohibition on offering referrals for abortion services in pregnant and parenting student services offices; eliminate. Amends sec. 5 of 2004 PA 500 (MCL 390.1595). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4949'23

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Sarah Anthony and 11 co-sponsors

Michigan law now permits college student services offices to refer pregnant students to abortion services, removing prior prohibition on such referrals.

ASSIGNED PA 0207'23
#health:abortion #highereducation:other #highereducation:students
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Bill Summary · SB 477

Legislative bill overview

SB 477 eliminates a prohibition that prevented pregnant and parenting student services offices at Michigan colleges and universities from referring students to abortion services. The bill restores the ability of these offices to provide referrals as part of comprehensive reproductive health information.

Why is this important

Student services offices now can connect pregnant and parenting students with the full range of reproductive healthcare options, including abortion services. This affects how universities support students facing pregnancy decisions and may influence retention rates among pregnant/parenting students seeking complete healthcare information.

Potential points of contention

  • Abortion access philosophy: Opponents view removing referral prohibitions as expanding abortion access; supporters see it as removing restrictions on healthcare information
  • Role of public institutions: Disagreement over whether state universities should facilitate referrals for any medical procedure, particularly one with moral/religious dimensions
  • Parental notification concerns: Some may worry about offices providing information to students without parental involvement, particularly for minors
  • Funding implications: Questions about whether public funds indirectly support abortion-related activities through student services

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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