Michigan state lawmaker faces backlash over sterilization decision

LIVONIA, Mich. (FOX 2) - A Michigan lawmaker's personal admission is sparking controversy and death threats on her life.

The backstory:

State Representative Laurie Pohutsky revealed she had permanent surgery preventing her from having children. She told FOX 2 the private decision, which was years in the making, was a result of fear looming from the Trump Administration.

Pohutsky says she had discussed undergoing sterilization with her husband for years, and then in 2025, Donald Trump became president again.

"That made me worry about things like insurance coverage, whether or not all hospital systems would even continue providing that level of care depending on what came out of Washington," she said.

Pohutsky feared the fate of contraceptives after the first administration’s efforts to roll back insurance coverage.

"I don’t know what’s going to be in store in terms of contraceptive access, but also I think a lot of people decide if they don’t want to have kids anymore that they just would like a more permanent form of birth control."

Pohutsky shared her story at a public rally at Michigan’s Capitol. She now says she has been getting death threats.

What they're saying:

Pro-life advocate and attorney Rebecca Kiessling called Pohutsky’s testimony reckless, believing the act would only incite fear of the White House.

"I don’t know what this woman is doing other than just encouraging young women to render themselves infertile," she said. "I think that this administration is going to be supportive of not just women’s health but everyone’s health. Everyone is going to benefit and will have health and longevity, not just for ourselves, but also for our children."

What's next:

Meanwhile, Pohutsky pushed for the same, standing by what she and her family felt was best.

"It was just very affirming and something that I am grateful I was able to make the choice that was right for me, and I hope everyone else has that ability too," she said.