Birth control access, resources for expecting mothers, expanded under new Michigan laws
LANSING, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) - Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a package of bills Wednesday addressing birth control access and maternity care options.
Overall, the collection of bills is intended to allow easier access to birth control and emergency contraception; while also improving options and resources for pregnancy, newborn and postpartum care.
"These bills will save women time and money so they can access the birth control they need and cut unnecessary red tape that stands between people and their health care," Whitmer said in the announcement. "Whether you're getting ready to start a family or figuring out which contraceptive option is best for you, I'll fight to make sure you have the freedom to make that choice."
One of the major changes, through House Bills 5435 and 5436, involves allowing a pharmacist to directly prescribe birth control rather than waiting for a doctor prescription. State law will also require insurance companies to cover the cost of such pharmacist-approved medication. That option goes into effect in April.
The press release from Whitmer's office explains that Michigan currently has a shortage of obstetricians and gynecologists who normally issue those prescriptions; and about 1/3 of the state's Michigan counties have no OB/GYN specialists at all.
"This shortage has negatively affected thousands of Michiganders, making it harder for them to access hormonal birth control. These bills increase access to safe, affordable birth control and recognize pharmacists as important members of a woman's health care team," Whitmer said.
"Access to contraceptives shouldn't depend on where you live or whether you can get a doctor's appointment," said state Representative Stephanie A. Young, D-Detroit.
Planned Parenthood officials in Michigan are among those who praised that step, citing statistics from the Centers for Disease Control that eight out of 10 women have used birth control pills at some point in their lives. In a related matter, Planned Parenthood said, two out of 10 women have used emergency contraception at some point.
"Thousands of Michiganders rely on birth control and emergency contraception to manage their health and plan their families, but many struggle to reliably access this essential health care," said Ashlea Phenicie, Chief Advocacy Officer of Planned Parenthood of Michigan and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan.
The people who would benefit from greater access, Planned Parenthood said, include low-income individuals and those living in rural areas or other communities with limited health care options.
Other details in the package of now-signed package of reproductive health bills include:
- Providing licensing for freestanding birth centers that can provide midwifery care, reproductive and sexual health care, newborn and postpartum care. "These centers are an important alterative to hospitals, ensuring people giving birth have affordable access to midwives during and after their pregnancies," the press release said.
- Creating a scholarship program to support training for doulas, who serve as advocates for expectant mothers seeking such support during their hours of labor and delivery.
- Reinforce legal protections for health care providers, prohibiting discrimination against someone who is acting within the scope of his or her license or certification.
- Continuing support for Michigan's Perinatal Quality Collaboratives, networks of care providers and public health professionals who aim for better health outcomes among women and infants.
- Designating perinatal facilities through standardized criteria according to the range of care they provide. The goal is to help pregnant women select a facility that will best fit their medical and risk needs.
- Requiring health insurance coverage for blood pressure monitors used by pregnant and postpartum women. The intention is to quickly identify elevated blood pressure circumstances that can contribute to medical emergencies such as pre-eclampsia or premature birth.
- Require a health professional to offer mental health screening for postpartum mothers. The press release said about 85% of mothers experience some type of mood disturbance, with 10 to 15% of mothers experiencing more noticeable signs of depression or anxiety.
- Removing an existing requirement that a breast milk donor be tested every three months for HIV virus. "Ongoing testing is not medically necessary for breast milk safety because the pasteurization process deactivates the HIV virus. Testing regularly to donate breast milk is costly and time consuming, discouraging donors from continuing to donate."
- Requiring hospitals to provide information to parents on the health insurance enrollment process for newborns. The goal is to make sure parents don't lose out on insurance benefits that can help with the newborn costs.
- Removed a workforce requirement for participation in the Healthy Michigan Plan, based on a federal court ruling issued in 2020.