On Tuesday, Jan. 21, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed 16 bills into law that aim to expand reproductive freedom in the State. While the package addresses widespread reproductive health challenges, two bills in particular target reduced cost and increased access to birth control. Many Grand Valley State University students believe the bills will help solve hurdles that have previously made birth control access difficult.
House Bill 5436 allows Michigan pharmacists to write prescriptions for hormonal contraceptives like birth control pills, emergency contraceptive pills, patches and vaginal rings. House Bill 5435 requires insurance companies to cover the cost of pharmacist-prescribed hormonal contraception in the State. Michigan’s state licensing agency and pharmacy board have until the fall 2026 to create the rules of each law’s rollout, according to the Detroit Free Press.
“Today, I’m signing commonsense bills to further protect everyone’s fundamental freedom to make their own decisions about their own body,” Whitmer said at the legislations’ signing. “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.”
According to Michigan.gov, there is a shortage of obstetricians and gynecologists (OB-GYN) in the state. In one-third of Michigan’s 83 counties, there are no OB-GYNs at all. This healthcare shortage impacts thousands of State residents. House Bill 5435 recognizes the vital role of pharmacists in reproductive healthcare.
Heather Alberda is the health promotion specialist at GVSU’s Center for Health and Well-being. She said birth control is essential, and claimed the new legislation will make it more accessible for student communities that need access.
“Access to birth control is essential for everyone, especially our GVSU students,” Alberda said. “It can prevent unplanned pregnancies, promote health and well-being, provide empowerment and autonomy, reduce financial stress, support emotional and mental health and promote healthy relationships.”
To GVSU student Abrianna Imbrogno, birth control is necessary to keep her body healthy and regulated. Imbrogno said she needs birth control to help regulate her menstrual cycles so she doesn’t develop uterine cancer or ovarian cysts. Although she hasn’t experienced much difficulty accessing birth control, Imbrogno worries if she will have enough medication due to her insurance.
“Insurance companies only cover some brands of birth control, and only some brands send out multiple months (worth of medicine),” Imbrogno said. “Most of the time I never know if I will have enough for a couple months unless I ask my insurance company.”
Imbrogno said she hopes both House bills will help her and others.
“I think the (bills) signed in Michigan (are) a great step moving forward,” Imbrogno said.
Alberda said limitations to birth control access can prevent some students from understanding their health and taking care of themselves.
“We know there are barriers (such as) cost, location, transportation, general availability (and) stigma around sexual health to access,” Alberda said. “The Center for Health and Well-being is committed to ensuring all students have access and knowledge of sexual health services both on and off campus.”
Alberda said the center offers a variety of resources to students. These resources include emergency conception, Opill (a birth control pill available over the counter without a prescription) and STI/HIV testing in collaboration with the Ottawa County Department of Public Health. Other support programs at the center include presentations focused on sexual health. The Center for Health and Well-being will also host Sex Ed Week on campus from Feb. 10-14.