Senate adopts resolutions recognizing infertility, tardive dyskinesia, limb-loss and autism awareness periods

The Michigan Senate on April 22, 2025, adopted four resolutions declaring observances for infertility, tardive dyskinesia, limb loss and autism, with senators delivering floor remarks stressing awareness, support and access to care.

Senators approved Senate Resolution 29 designating April 20–26, 2025, as Infertility Awareness Week; Senate Resolution 30 designating May 4–10, 2025, as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week; Senate Resolution 31 designating April 2025 as Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month; and Senate Resolution 32 designating April 2025 as Autism Acceptance Month. Each resolution was adopted after brief remarks or without discussion.

The resolutions drew detailed floor remarks from sponsors and colleagues about the human impact behind the observances. Senator Chang, sponsor of SR 29, said the resolution recognizes a condition “that affects over 300,000 Michiganders of childbearing age” and argued awareness can reduce isolation and improve access to treatments. She added, “Infertility is commonly thought of as a woman's issue, but the reality is that it affects men as well.”

Sponsor Senator Santana described SR 30 as a chance to reduce stigma for people living with tardive dyskinesia, calling TD “a movement disorder caused by long term use of certain medications, particularly, antipsychotics,” and urging education to promote early detection and treatment. Senator Hertel offered SR 31 to mark limb-loss awareness month; the resolution was suspended for immediate consideration and adopted with no debate. Senator Weber, sponsor of SR 32, noted federal estimates and said, “The CDC now estimates that 1 in 36 children and 1 in 44 adults have autism across The United States,” and urged continued legislative attention to diagnostic and care standards.

Senators used standard floor procedures to adopt the measures: sponsors requested their remarks be printed in the Senate journal and the presiding officer called for the ayes and noes; each resolution was recorded as adopted. The gallery included representatives of advocacy and higher-education groups who were recognized by senators during the session.

While the resolutions are formal statements of recognition rather than bills creating new law or funding, sponsors said they intend the observances to raise public awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage further policy work on access to care and support services.