Planned Parenthood supporters and partners come together to tell legislators, “Michigan Can’t Back Down!” at PPAM’s 2025 Capitol Day

On May 22, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan turned the Capitol PINK in partnership with Equality Michigan, the ACLU of Michigan, and Reproductive Freedom for All Michigan to send a clear message to our state legislators: Michigan can’t back down!

The day began with inspiring remarks from an incredible lineup of speakers, including:

• Governor Gretchen Whitmer

• Ashlea Phenicie, Chief External Affairs Officer, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan

• Nathan McPherson, Gender-Affirming Care Program Manager, Planned Parenthood of Michigan

• Emme Zanotti, Sr. Director of Movement Building and Political Affairs, Equality Michigan

• LeAndrea Fisher, Leadership Committee Board Member, Michigan Fertility Alliance 

• State Representative Laurie Pohutsky

• Ryan-Simone Duncan, Storyteller 

• Nikki Vinckier, Storyteller

• Mallory Shea, Storyteller

After lunch, attendees gathered on the Capitol steps for an iconic photo before splitting off to meet face-to-face with legislators, share their stories, and demand protection for sexual and reproductive health care funding in Michigan.

We're grateful to our community partners for their unwavering support and collaboration in bringing this important event to life, to our inspiring speakers for their powerful words, and to all of our legislative champions who took the time to meet with us and hear our concerns. 

But most of all – thank you to all of our dedicated supporters who joined us for this unforgettable day of advocacy and organizing. None of the work we do would be possible without your support and your voices!

Photo Credit: Jordan Morrow