Michigan Democrats Pass Stripped-Down Abortion Rights Bill; Activist Ady Barkan Passes Away at 39

Michigan Abortion Rights Bill Passes After Concessional Changes; Progressive Activist Ady Barkan, Known for Medicare-for-all Advocacy, Dies of ALS Complications

Michigan's House Democrats passed a stripped-down abortion rights package, aimed at making it easier to obtain an abortion, after making major concessions to gain the support of a lone member of their party, Rep. Karen Whitsett (D).
Among the concessions made were the eradication of a ban on using state funds to cover abortion costs for most Medicaid enrollees from the original bill package.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D) pushed for the Reproductive Health Act's passage this fall, which would allow universities to refer students to abortion providers, make it easier for private insurers to pay for the procedure, and lift some structural requirements for abortion facilities.
Ady Barkan, a renowned activist known for advocating for Medicare-for-all, died from ALS complications at 39 years old. Despite his terminal illness, he spent his remaining years campaigning for an overhaul of the American health care system.
Barkan, who grew from being an energized but relatively unnoticed advocate to a prominent figure in the progressive movement, co-founded the political organization 'Be a Hero' in 2018, focusing on key issues like healthcare, immigrant rights, and reforming the Federal Reserve.

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