State Reps. Kara Hope (D-Holt) and Stephanie A. Young (D-Detroit) testify in the House Health Policy Committee on March 5, 2024, at the Anderson House Office Building in Lansing.
LANSING, Mich., Dec. 23, 2024 — The Michigan Senate passed two bills last week to expand contraception access for Michiganders. The bills previously passed the House of Representatives in November.
House Bill 5436, sponsored by state Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt), would authorize pharmacists to prescribe and dispense a prescription for a hormonal contraceptive patch, a self-administered hormonal contraceptive or an emergency contraceptive.
“This legislation is essential to protecting reproductive freedoms here in Michigan,” Hope said. “Safely expanding who can prescribe and dispense contraception prescriptions ensures that people across the state can easily access this vital tool for family planning and hormonal regulation. I want to express my gratitude to my colleagues in the Senate for their determination to get these bills passed.”
State Rep. Stephanie Young (D-Detroit) sponsored House Bill 5435, which would require insurers to cover prescriptions for hormonal contraceptives prescribed and dispensed at in-network pharmacies.
“Saving time, money and eliminating potential transportation barriers for individuals seeking hormonal contraceptives simply makes sense,” Young said. “These types of medications are not just used for prevention of pregnancies but also have a wider range of uses, including helping women regulate their monthly cycles. I am truly grateful to my colleagues in the Senate for prioritizing this important legislation to support those seeking this type of healthcare.”
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