LANSING — Last week, the Progressive Women’s Caucus introduced a Contraceptive Access bill package aimed at increasing contraceptive access for women. In response, state Rep. Tenisha Yancey (D-Harper Woods) issued the following statement:
“I was happy to join with my colleagues and introduce legislation to address this serious issue. My bill, House Bill 5612, the Women’s Right to the Pill Act, would require pharmacies to fill lawful contraceptive prescriptions and stock emergency contraception. Women have the right to have access to health care, and if a woman and her doctor determine that she needs this medication, then that should be the end of the discussion. Contraceptives treat a number of women’s health issues, and it is time to stop placing unnecessary barriers between women and the health care that they need. Be it a regular prescription or an emergency situation, access to these medications is a health issue, not a political one.”