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Governor Whitmer’s “Take Control of Your Birth Control” initiative offers free contraceptives and education resources statewide starting in November.
Free Contraceptives Now Available to All Michiganders Starting in November
Your Birth Control
LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced a major new initiative today that aims to make free contraception and family planning services accessible across Michigan. The “Take Control of Your Birth Control” program launches in November and will provide over-the-counter birth control pills, emergency contraception, condoms, and educational resources at no cost to residents. The program will be administered by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and is backed by $5.6 million in bipartisan funding secured earlier this year.
“Everyone, no matter how much money they make, deserves to make their own decisions about their own reproductive health and future,” Whitmer said in a statement.
The rollout coincides with efforts by the Biden-Harris administration to push insurance providers to cover over-the-counter contraception without co-pays. Whitmer emphasized that the program is another step toward ensuring reproductive freedom in the state, adding, “We are building on our work to protect reproductive freedom for all Michiganders.”
Statewide Access, Regardless of Insurance
Starting in November, community partners, federally qualified health centers, and participating organizations will distribute contraceptives for free, regardless of insurance coverage, as long as supplies last. Alongside access to birth control, the campaign will provide critical family planning information and guide residents toward ongoing support through programs like Plan First!, which offers health care coverage for contraceptives, STI testing, and pregnancy counseling.
“We want to make sure that individuals who need and want these tools can easily obtain them,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s Chief Medical Executive.
The program aims to eliminate financial and social barriers that prevent people from accessing reliable contraception and family planning services, particularly in underserved communities. Residents can access an interactive map at michigan.gov/takecontrol to find participating locations.
Lawmakers Back Initiative Amid National Reproductive Rights Debate
With other states tightening access to birth control and reproductive health care, Michigan legislators have framed the new program as a model for health equity.
“This is a huge step forward in making health care equitable,” said Rep. Jaime Churches (D-Wyandotte). “It will help people save money and plan for if, when, and how they want to start a family.”
Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Bay City) applauded the initiative, stating: “While other states are making it harder to obtain birth control, Michigan is expanding access.”
The initiative follows the governor’s ongoing efforts to bolster reproductive rights in the wake of the Dobbs decision, which overturned federal abortion protections. Whitmer led the repeal of Michigan’s 1931 abortion ban earlier this year and has signed multiple laws expanding reproductive health care protections.
Free Birth Control – A Broader Push for Health Equity
The “Take Control of Your Birth Control” campaign is part of a broader effort to ensure that residents have the resources to plan their families and make decisions about their health without interference. Beyond birth control, residents will receive information on how to enroll in Medicaid and Plan First!, which covers STI testing, cancer screenings, and reproductive health counseling.
“This is about empowering people to make their own decisions,” said Rep. Jennifer Conlin (D-Ann Arbor). “Access to contraception without fear or shame is essential to health equity.”
The open enrollment period for the Health Insurance Marketplace begins on November 1, offering additional opportunities for residents to secure health insurance that includes contraceptive coverage.
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