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It's been over a week since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, stripping reproductive rights from tens of millions of Americans. For now, a Michigan court has put a temporary hold on Michigan’s draconian 1931 law banning abortion even in the case of rape or incest and criminalizing doctors and nurses for providing reproductive healthcare.
That means that today, abortion is still legal in Michigan.
That is important – if you or a loved one need an abortion, you can still go to your appointments.
I want to make sure all Michiganders have the tools to make their own decisions about their health and family planning. Here are some important resources that can help:
DIFS Contraceptive Coverage Website
The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) created a new website to help Michiganders know about insurance coverage for contraception and reproductive health services. If you have questions or complaints about coverage for reproductive health services, you can also call DIFS at 877-999-6442, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
MDHHS Family Planning Services
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has a website with information about services related to family planning. It includes information on contraceptives, help planning a healthy pregnancy, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and preventative health exams.
Consumer Protections
This week, Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a new consumer alert with guidance on how to protect personal data, specifically as it relates to phone applications that track fertility and menstrual cycles. Here are some tips from the Federal Trade Commission on how to protect personal data:
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Compare options on privacy. When considering a health app, ask some key questions:
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Why does the app collect information?
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How does the app share that information – and with whom?
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Then choose the app with the level of privacy preferred.
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Take control of personal information.
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Do app settings let the user control the health information the app collects and shares?
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Is the app up to date?
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Know the risks.
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Are the app’s services worth risking personal information getting into the wrong hands?
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Report concerns. Do you think a health app shared personal information without permission?
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Tell the FTC online
As more information becomes available, I will be sure to make sure all Michiganders know of their rights and resources surrounding abortion and reproductive healthcare. I will fight like hell to protect every Michiganders’ right to make decisions about their own body with the advice of a medical professional they trust. I will not give in or give up for my kids, your kids, and the future of our great state.
 Gretchen Whitmer
Governor of Michigan
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