Pharmacists in Michigan will be allowed to prescribe hormonal birth control. The Great Lakes State will join 29 other states—including Wisconsin, Illinois—and The District of Columbia in modernizing contraceptive access. Under the new legislation, residents can obtain hormonal contraceptives directly from pharmacists without first visiting a doctor. This change represents Michigan’s latest step to strengthen residents’ access to reproductive healthcare.
Governor Whitmer, with support from State Representatives Stephanie A. Young (D-Detroit) and Kara Hope (D-Holt), signed House Bills 5435 and 5436 into action on January 21st. Representative Young highlighted the significance of the legislation, stating, “Today, we are breaking down barriers to reproductive health care access in Michigan. This new law makes it easier for individuals — especially those in underserved communities — to take charge of their health and their futures.” The first bill authorizes pharmacists to prescribe and dispense specific birth control methods, including pills, patches, and vaginal rings. The second requires health insurance policies that cover prescription drugs to include pharmacist-prescribed contraceptives.
Since her re-election in 2022, Governor Whitmer has prioritized family planning and healthcare access. After Michigan voters approved Proposal 3 in November 2022, which added reproductive rights to the state constitution, she took action to repeal the state’s 1931 abortion ban. Her administration also expanded Medicaid to cover doula services through the “Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies” initiative, supporting low-income families during pregnancy and postpartum care.
House bills 5435 and 5436 are just two of 16 legislative efforts aimed at increasing access to reproductive healthcare and improving maternal health. In addition to these birth control bills, the state has adopted legislation that makes it easier to donate breast milk and another that expands mental health services to postpartum women.
The new law allowing pharmacists to prescribe birth control is set to take effect in April. The state has until October 2026 to finalize the rules for pharmacists to follow when prescribing birth control.
SOURCES
https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/12/health/otc-birth-control-pharmacist-prescribed/index.html
https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/assistance-programs/healthy-moms-healthy-babies