Michigan's largest health system reverses course on abortion stance - Detroit Free Press

The health system initially said it would follow the guidance of Michigan's 1931 abortion law — which is currently unenforceable under a temporary injunction — and only allow pregnancy termination when necessary to preserve the life of the pregnant person.

More: Michigan medical community grapples with providing abortion care after Roe v.

The system is a merger of Grand Rapids-based Spectrum Health and Beaumont Health, which serves southeast Michigan.

We continue to provide care for women’s health, including reproductive needs.

The health system's update was sent out to all employees and was posted on the Beaumont Health and Spectrum Health websites, BHSH System Spokesman Mark Geary said.

Despite Roe being overturned, abortion remains legal in Michigan — for now — because of a temporary injunction barring the enforcement of the state law that bans it in all cases except to save the life of the pregnant person.

In the first message to employees Friday obtained by the Free Press, Freese Decker said: "Previously, BHSH System's policies and procedures generally allowed pregnancy termination for medical indications, such as when necessary to prevent serious risks to the woman's health or in situations where the fetus is not likely to survive.

“We must be very clear: abortion is still legal in Michigan.

We must continue to make clear that abortion services remain legal and available in Michigan, and I encourage health providers to afford pregnant people the full range of reproductive services.".

Michigan Medicine said on its Facebook page Friday that it will continue to offer reproductive services, including abortion care

Henry Ford Health said in a statement that as health care providers "we have an unwavering commitment to the health and wellbeing of those we serve, and a responsibility to approach this issue through the lens of what’s in the best interest medically of our expectant patients and their families