Share Your Story
We want to hear from you. Your story might be about abortion, birth control, pregnancy or miscarriage care, or another experience.
Press Release
Reproductive Freedom for All Slams Leaked Audio from Jay DeBoyer Floating 12-Week Abortion Ban in Michigan
For Immediate Release: Monday, September 14, 2026
Contact: [email protected]
Reproductive Freedom for All Slams Leaked Audio from Jay DeBoyer Floating 12-Week Abortion Ban in Michigan
Lansing, MI — Today, new audio surfaced in which Michigan lieutenant governor candidate Jay DeBoyer suggested establishing a 12-week abortion ban in Michigan through a constitutional convention proposal—after previously telling voters the issue was settled. DeBoyer went on to call himself a “staunch pro-life guy” and noted that a constitutional convention proposal may be “the only way” to impose restrictions on abortion care in the state. DeBoyer’s comments cement an extreme anti-abortion agenda at the top of the Republican ticket in Michigan, with his running mate and Republican nominee for governor John James promising “to do everything to get the most conservative, most pro-life bill passed” possible.
Reproductive Freedom for All Director of Michigan Campaigns Shanay Watson-Whittaker released the following statement:
“We need to believe extremists when they say it: John James and Jay DeBoyer will use every lever at their disposal to pass an abortion ban and upend the will of Michiganders. With the election less than 50 days away, voters are watching and will hold them accountable at the polls.”
Both DeBoyer and James have lengthy anti-abortion records. DeBoyer consistently voted against reproductive freedom in the Michigan State Legislature and has received endorsements from numerous anti-abortion groups. James previously stated he is “100% pro-life,” compared abortion to genocide, and received Trump’s endorsement in his bid for governor.
Republicans’ anti-abortion extremism flies in the face of Michigan voters, who overwhelmingly voted to pass Proposal 3 in 2022, which codified abortion rights in the Michigan state constitution. Michiganders deserve fighters like Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson and lieutenant governor candidate Winnie Brinks, who have spent their careers committed to upholding the will of Michigan voters and protecting reproductive freedom if elected.
For over 55 years, Reproductive Freedom for All (formerly NARAL Pro-Choice America) has fought to protect and advance reproductive freedom at the federal and state levels—including access to abortion care, birth control, pregnancy and post-partum care, and paid family leave—for everybody. Reproductive Freedom for All is powered by its more than 4.5 million members from every state and congressional district in the country, representing the 8 in 10 Americans who support legal abortion.
###
ICYMI National