Newly announced MDDHS initiative provides free contraceptives
LANSING, Mich., Oct. 23, 2024 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, alongside the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), announced the “Take Control of Your Birth Control” campaign today that will expand access to reproductive health care. This expansion ensures Michiganders can access free contraceptives while supplies last.
“Michigan Democrats have stood on the side of reproductive freedom and individual choice about family planning for decades — not just when it’s politically expedient. Today’s announcement proves that stance once again,” said House Speaker Pro Tempore Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia), chair of the Progressive Women’s Caucus. “When people have access to the tools and knowledge to take control of their reproductive futures, they can chart the course of their lives with clarity and be full participants in our economy and society.”
The “Take Control of Your Birth Control” initiative will provide Michiganders with a variety of free birth control options, such as oral contraceptive pills, emergency contraception and condoms, along with family planning educational resources through federal and community health centers.
“Reproductive health care is essential for safe sex practices, and it’s important for bodily autonomy decisions. The lack of accessibility and affordability are huge hurdles that Michiganders face all too often,” said state Rep. Emily Dievendorf (D-Lansing). “We hear you and know that access to reproductive health care is a top priority — no matter who you are or where you are from. The work is not over, but this initiative demonstrates continued efforts to make Michigan more equitable — lowering costs where Michiganders need it.”
Today’s announcement follows MDHHS’ Plan First! program’s one year anniversary. The program offers health care coverage for a variety of family planning services, including birth control, STI testing and treatment. Plan First! is a limited Medicaid program that provides coverage to those who do not qualify for traditional Medicaid benefits. This program served almost 20,000 Michiganders in the past year. During the “Take Control of Your Birth Control” campaign, Michiganders will receive information on how to apply for coverage through Plan First! to continue receiving the reproductive health care they need and deserve.
“As a father, it is important to me that people live in a world where their choices and freedoms are respected, and access to health care when needed is accessible and affordable,” said state Rep. John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming). “The ‘Take Control of Your Birth Control’ initiative will provide countless people who are struggling to make ends meet the affordability to take control of their reproductive health care needs. With MDHHS’ Plan First! program, Michiganders can continue to receive that health care they need longer term.”
House Democrats have worked hard during the 102nd Legislature to defend reproductive rights and fundamental freedoms. The policies passed include eliminating the 1931 criminal abortion ban, passing the Reproductive Health Act that breaks down barriers to access reproductive care, guaranteeing children born through IVF or surrogacy in Michigan have access to a secure legal relationship with their parents with the Family Protection Act, and passing the Maternal and Infant Health package to ensure mothers and infants receive the care they need to survive and thrive.
“As a former social worker, I’ve seen the positive impact that these programs have on peoples’ everyday lives, whether it’s increasing accessibility to needed care or tackling unaffordability of these services. This newly introduced initiative uplifts health equity for women,” said state Rep. Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe). “I stepped into my role as legislator to represent Michiganders with their best interests in mind — and with the legislation we’ve passed centered around reproductive rights, IVF and Surrogacy, and Maternal Health — I believe we have done just that. It is inspiring to know that not only on a legislative level we are making a difference, but the blue trifecta has delivered on securing reproductive health care for Michiganders.”