Jocelyn Benson Unveils Memoir Amid Gubernatorial Bid, Speaks on Reproductive Health
LANSING, Mich. — As she seeks to become Michigan’s next governor, Democrat Jocelyn Benson is set to release her memoir, "The Purposeful Warrior," which features her first public discussion of a personal miscarriage endured eight years ago. Benson, currently Michigan’s secretary of state and the only woman in a crowded gubernatorial race, aims to enhance reproductive healthcare access if elected.
In an interview with the Associated Press, Benson reflected on how her miscarriage profoundly shaped her perspective on reproductive health. “It opened my eyes to the need to… make sure [reproductive rights] are real,” she stated, emphasizing the critical need for compassionate healthcare during difficult times.
In her memoir, Benson recounts the emotional turmoil following her pregnancy revelation shortly after her son’s first birthday. Amid her excitement, she faced a devastating miscarriage, leading her to confront feelings of shame and guilt that resonate with many women. She encourages others to share their stories, asserting, “It’s OK to tell yours as well.”
Following the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade, reproductive rights have become a central theme in political discourse. In 2022, Michigan voters passed a measure to protect abortion access, but Benson argues more action is needed, particularly to attract physicians and provide mobile clinics in rural areas, especially after the closure of several Planned Parenthood locations.
Benson’s memoir also critiques Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan’s past actions that she claims undermined female candidacies. As the 2026 gubernatorial primary approaches, Benson will compete against Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II and others, while Republican candidates vie for nomination amid changing electoral dynamics.
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