Protest in Lansing Rallies Against Attacks on Reproductive Rights
Lansing became the center of resistance on International Women’s Day. Hundreds gathered outside the Michigan Capitol. They protested Trump’s policies on reproductive rights and the LGBTQ+ community. They came ready to fight back.
This protest was one of many across Michigan. Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Flint also saw massive turnouts. Activists sent a loud message. They refuse to let rights be stripped away.
Protest in Lansing Focuses on Reproductive Rights and Abortion Bans
State Rep. Emily Dievendorf (D-Lansing) fired up the crowd. She called out the attacks on reproductive rights. Dievendorf said abortion bans keep spreading like wildfire. She warned that maternal health care is disappearing. She told the crowd Michigan must fight back.
The signs spoke volumes. “Feminists Against Fascism.” “A Woman’s Place is in the Revolution.” The crowd was energized and ready for action. Dievendorf made it clear—this wasn’t just a rally, it was a movement.
Protest in Lansing Calls Out Attacks on LGBTQ+ Rights
Emme Zanotti, senior director at Equality Michigan, took the stage. “I’m a transgender woman,” she declared. The crowd roared in support.
She called out Republican lawmakers pushing bans on trans girls in high school sports. She said fear-mongering politicians use kids as scapegoats. “They want you to believe your safety depends on banning trans girls from playing soccer,” she said. “That is absolute nonsense.” The crowd agreed with her message.
Protest in Lansing Warns of Planned Parenthood Defunding Efforts
Kaylee Singer, Mid-Michigan’s Planned Parenthood organizer, delivered a warning. “This is not just about abortion,” she said. “Trump’s administration is gutting public health care. They want to restrict birth control and attack gender-affirming care.”
She called out Trump’s previous cuts to Title X funding. “When that happened, 73% of Michiganders lost access to affordable reproductive care,” she said. “That’s birth control, STI testing, cancer screenings—all gone.”
She warned history could repeat itself. The Comstock Act could ban mailing abortion pills. Medication abortions make up two-thirds of all abortions in the U.S.. Singer made it clear—activists will not give up the fight.
Protest in Lansing Unites Activists to Resist Trump’s Policies
One chant kept echoing through the crowd—“We won’t go back.” Dievendorf hammered that point home. “This is not just about feeling good,” they said. “It is about protecting our democracy. This is a fight we must win.”
The crowd stood strong, marched, and promised to keep fighting. The energy was undeniable. Trump may have a plan. But Michigan has an even stronger resistance.