Oct 10, 2024 | News Story
While other states work to restrict individuals’ reproductive rights, Michigan Senate Democrats hear testimony and personal perspectives on legislation to expand access to contraception
Somewhere in Michigan, there is a woman struggling with endometriosis who regularly misses work because of intolerable pain. Somewhere in Michigan, there is a woman who wants to be a mother one day but wishes to finish her degree and secure a stable job first. Somewhere in Michigan, there is a woman who just welcomed a new baby into the world whom she wants to spend time with before continuing to grow her family.
Whether it’s utilized to meet family planning goals or treat health concerns, contraception is a powerful tool for ensuring that women and individuals who can become pregnant have the power to plan their own course in life. Each and every Michigander — regardless of race, place, or socioeconomic status — deserves to have safe, affordable access to the full range of contraceptive options available.
Despite being named one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the 20th century by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, contraception is not easily accessible for many women. A national survey estimates nearly one-third of adult women who have tried to access prescription contraception experience barriers, citing financial concerns, challenges in obtaining an appointment, and more.
Watch the full Senate Health Policy Committee hearing on Senate Democrats’ Freedom to Plan and hear from legislators, doctors, health experts, patients, students, and advocates.
While federal law requires Medicaid and most private health insurance plans to cover FDA-approved contraceptive methods with a prescription, there is no federal requirement that plans cover nonprescription contraception — leaving many individuals without the ability to access the care they need. To rectify this issue, Sens. Mary Cavanagh and Jeff Irwin introduced the “Freedom to Plan Act,” which would require private insurers and Medicaid to provide point-of-sale coverage for OTC oral hormonal contraception and emergency contraception.
This enhanced access to contraception can make a major impact on Michiganders’ everyday lives. For individuals struggling to make ends meet, this policy could save them $20 a month, which could go towards putting food on the table or heating their home. And if you multiply that across a person’s reproductive life, it adds up to thousands of dollars saved. For students who don’t have access to transportation on campus or who are juggling a job while working toward their degree, this legislation allows them to access contraception without jeopardizing their health or their studies.
During the Senate Health Policy Committee hearing on the Freedom to Plan Act, Harsna Chahal, a graduate of Michigan State University and current medical student at Central Michigan University, provided testimony on how her personal struggle to access contraception as a young person is a story too many Michiganders share.
In addition to breaking down barriers to OTC contraception, Senate Democrats are also working to ensure more inclusive postpartum access to long-acting reversible contraception methods like intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants. While postpartum contraception may not be at the top of mind for new mothers, implanting an IUD is a safe, effective strategy they can choose to help improve maternal health and reduce the likelihood of becoming pregnant again before they’re ready.
Sen. Mallory McMorrow shares her experience navigating the challenges of new motherhood and how access to postpartum contraception can reduce the likelihood of an unintended short interval pregnancy, while improving maternal health.
Despite the proven benefits postpartum contraception provides, this service is not included in most health plans’ Labor and Delivery bundle, meaning patients must pay out-of-pocket costs upwards of $1,300. The personal cost burden leaves this service out of reach for many families across Michigan.
Doctors and medical experts provide testimony on the significant role contraception plays in the everyday health of Michiganders and why access should be inclusive and unobstructed. Photo Credit: Jose Romero, Michigan Senate Democrats
Recently, the Senate Health Policy Committee heard testimony on the “Freedom to Plan” package from a diverse range of Michiganders including bill sponsors, doctors, advocates, and patients. Among those who provided their valuable insights on the positive impact this legislation would have on Michigan families were experts from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), Planned Parenthood of Michigan, and the Michigan Organization on Adolescent Sexual Health.
Dr. Sarah Wallett
Dr. Shira Fishbach
Dr. Jordan Fletcher
Senate Democrats also took this policy from the committee room in Lansing directly into communities across the state by hosting a series of virtual town halls aimed at engaging Michigan residents on the topic of reproductive freedom. Discussing the bills within the context of civil rights and reproductive health advocacy, panelists from ACOG and Planned Parenthood joined legislators to breakdown the technical scope of what the Freedom to Plan package would accomplish. Hearing personal narratives from constituents and healthcare providers, Senate Democrats and their constituents gained insight into the real human impact this legislation will have on Michiganders in every corner of the state.
As Senate Democrats look to advance these bills through the legislative process, we need your help — your voice is crucial in this fight. From adding your name as a supporter and sharing your personal reproductive health story to amplifying the policy on social media and connecting with your elected officials, you can help ensure all Michiganders have the autonomy and power to grow their families on their own terms.
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Read more from the Michigan Senate Democrats at SenateDems.com/press.