Dear Spartans,
When we became leaders of Michigan State University, we pledged to you that the health and safety of our community would be our number one priority. In the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision overturning Roe v. Wade, we write you to reaffirm that commitment and emphatically state that reproductive health care is a basic human right.
As an inclusive university community, we respect the diversity of opinions Spartans hold on the issue of elective abortion. While routine maternal health care is not in question, we acknowledge that elective abortions have many complex ethical, religious, political, economic and health dimensions.
Yet, as an institution of higher education — complete with two human medical colleges, a college of nursing and school of social work, and additional clinical education programs — we have a responsibility to stay true to our core values and work to improve the health and life outcomes of all those we educate, train and serve.
To that end, MSU will continue to stand for sustainable health for all. In the face of a ruling that jeopardizes many people’s health, we will — within the boundaries of the law — continue to educate the next generation of clinicians and health professionals in reproductive health and also support access to equitable, high-quality, affordable and safe health care for all.
We’ve also been meeting with a group of deans and vice presidents to examine how the Supreme Court’s decision will impact our university. The group has and will continue to focus on maintaining the strength and integrity of MSU’s health and medical education curriculums, the health and medical services we provide, and our health benefits for employees, within the confines of the law.
While much is uncertain in this moment, MSU will remain steadfast in its commitment to creating a healthier, more equitable, more inclusive future. We will move forward with humility and respect, recognizing that nobody has all the answers. But we are resolved to ensure all people can reach their full potential for health and well-being.
Sincerely,
Samuel L. Stanley Jr., M.D. (he/him)
President
Teresa K. Woodruff, Ph.D. (she/her)
Provost and EVP for Academic Affairs
Melissa Woo, Ph.D. (she/her)
EVP for Administration and Chief Information Officer
Norman J. Beauchamp Jr., M.D. (he/him)
EVP for Health Sciences