Democratic Michigan State Representative Laurie Pohutsky revealed during a protest Wednesday that she underwent sterilization surgery as a personal act of defiance against the Trump administration. The protest, held at Michigan’s state capitol, was part of the national “50501 Movement,” a grassroots initiative aimed at resisting President Donald Trump’s policies, including “Project 2025,” according to the Michigan Advance.
“Just under two weeks ago, I underwent surgery to ensure that I would never have to navigate a pregnancy in Donald Trump’s America,” Pohutsky told the crowd. “I refuse to let my body be treated as currency by an administration that only sees value in my ability to procreate.”
Pohutsky’s announcement came as demonstrators gathered on the capitol lawn, waving LGBT and American flags and holding signs with messages such as “Deport Elonia and arrest Donalf Shitler!!” and “It’s treason.”
The protest grew heated at times, with one woman yelling at Republican Michigan Representative Matt Maddock, “Get out of here! You don’t belong here!” Another protester shouted, “This is what real Americans look like, c*nt!” as Maddock walked through the crowd.
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In a post on X on Thursday, Pohutsky doubled down on her decision, writing, “The fact that so many conservative men take personal offense to a decision that I made with my husband about my health care and future just proves the point that we shouldn’t assume that right is secure.”
On January 25, Trump signed an executive order enforcing the Hyde Amendment, which prohibits federal funding for elective abortions, reversing policies from the Biden-Harris administration.
He also signed an executive order on Wednesday banning biological men from competing in women’s sports nationally, a move aimed at protecting women’s rights and opportunities in athletics.
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Pohutsky’s decision to undergo sterilization has sparked intense debate, with critics questioning the necessity of such a drastic measure and supporters applauding her for taking a stand.
“If you know people who are questioning how serious this is, I’m going to repeat myself: A sitting government official opted for voluntary sterilization because she was uncertain she would be able to access contraception in the future,” Pohutsky said.
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