News Releases

    Catholic Conference Raises Concerns With Scope of Bills Restricting Counselors’ Speech

    Despite intent, language in bills would open the door for targeting of religious professionals

    A young girl in a session with her therapist

    Two bills recently approved by the Michigan Legislature that restrict speech in counselor-patient settings should be rejected by Gov. Whitmer on the grounds that the language is too broad and goes well beyond its intended purpose of protecting children from abhorrent practices, MCC said in a statement.

    Catholic Conference Welcomes New Laws to Protect Children

    MCC has supported bipartisan abuse prevention measures since 2018

    A child and their parent holding hands, walking down a sidewalk.

    MCC commended lawmakers from both parties and chambers for providing broad support for legislation signed into law by Governor Whitmer that will prevent sexual abuse of children and others, as MCC has been advocating for this legislation since 2018 in keeping with the Catholic Church’s commitment to prevent abuse.

    Catholic Conference Publishes Response to Ongoing Gun Violence

    Church supports measures that protect human life; recognizes no single policy can solve violence

    From left to right: Jeanne Damer and her daughters Sophia, an Oxford High School senior; Isabella, a Michigan State University junior; Mia, an Oxford freshman; and her husband Pat in front of Oxford High School.

    For the first time, Focus — Michigan Catholic Conference’s quarterly publication that examines public policy issues through the lens of Catholic social teaching — is addressing the topic of gun violence with the hope of provoking thoughtful reflection for readers mindful of differing perspectives about guns and gun regulation.

    Polling Indicates Wide Voter Support for Restrictions on Abortion

    Data Show Majority of Pro-Choice and Prop 3 Voters Support Parental Consent, Safety Standards

    Michigan voters support long-standing regulations on abortion.

    The legislative majority and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer would be going against the will of Michigan voters — and for the Governor, her own stated position — if legislation advances to remove the requirement that parents give consent for their children to undergo abortion, according to polling data released today by Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC).

    Legislative Majority to Impose Abortion Mandate on Michigan Employers

    Proposal 3 voters did not ask for legislation that equates abortion to childbirth

    A pensive-looking mother holding her young child against her chest with the child's head over her shoulder.

    Michigan Catholic Conference responded with strong opposition to the legislative majority’s approval of Senate Bill 147, which would create an abortion mandate on employers in Michigan. MCC notes in its statement that it is wrong to push employers into providing employee benefits related to abortion if they offer paid maternity leave or insurance coverage for childbirth, and that the premise of equating childbirth to abortion offends human dignity.

    Catholic Conference Urges Michigan House to Reject Abortion Mandate for Employers

    Lawmakers Continue to Rush Controversial Abortion Bills Unrelated to Proposal 3

    A baby boy staring at the viewer.

    MCC is urging the state House to oppose legislation approved by a House committee that would equate abortion with childbirth by requiring a range of employers to pay for elective abortions as part of their employee benefit plans if they are also providing benefits related to pregnancy or childbirth.

    Governor, Legislature Repeal Laws Protecting Women from Dangerous Abortion Practices

    Bills signed into law today include repeal of criminal penalty for death of a woman during an abortion, removal of protections against unregulated abortion practices

    A pregnant young woman with the potential to be affected by the repeal of laws protecting women from dangerous abortion practices.

    Legislation signed into law today by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer that has been portrayed as simply repealing Michigan’s abortion ban in reality goes much further by removing criminal penalties for killing a woman during an abortion and removing protections against unregulated abortion practices, according to

    Gun Safety Legislation Headed to Governor Will ‘Help Save Lives’

    MCC Encourages Continued Efforts to Reduce Violence in Society

    A hand preparing to close the door on a gun safe, thus locking a rifle inside.

    MCC applauded the House and Senate for passing legislation this week that requires the safe storage of guns in homes and expands background checks on the purchase of all guns, and expressed hope that the conversation around gun safety and awareness of the violence in society will lead to a greater appreciation for the value of all human life and the dignity that every person possesses from his or her conception as a child of God.

    Michigan Employers Forced to Pay for Abortions in Bill Fast-Tracked by State Senate

    Legislation Goes Beyond Roe, Stated Intent of Proposal 3 in Requiring Employers to Treat Elective Abortions, Pregnancy the Same

    A young woman holding her child as they both gaze into the distance.

    A majority of Michigan lawmakers are quickly moving a bill to force employers to pay for elective abortions as part of their employee benefit plans, a clear violation of the constitutionally protected rights of conscience for individuals, employers, and faith-based institutions and yet another example of continued abortion extremism in the Legislature.

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