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MSMS members testify on sexual assault bill package
On Tuesday, a group of Michigan State Medical Society (MSMS) members testified on a package of sexual assault bills (House Bills 5783, 5787, and 5793) under consideration in the House Law and Justice Committee.
In her testimony, Betty S. Chu, MD, MBA, MSMS President-elect, stated "that sexual assault is not something to be condoned or swept under the rug. Each of us has seen the wounds and emotional scars that linger for our patients who have been victimized, particularly by those whom they trust."
Doctor Chu also indicated MSMS supports the bills' "intent to employ sexual assault prevention strategies, such as increased education and awareness via high school curriculum and the development of age-appropriate materials, to eliminate stigma and fear of reporting, and to improve accountability." She emphasized that "our goal is to ensure that House Bills 5783, 5787, and 5793 do not create unintended consequences which will decrease access to quality patient care."
MSMS members Robert Sprunk, MD, a pediatrician from Traverse City, and Glenn Dregansky, DO, a family physician from Kalamazoo, also testified, representing the Michigan Chapter - American Academy of Pediatrics and Michigan Academy of Family Physicians, respectively.
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