While out on a story this month, I found out that the Women’s Center of Lansing won’t be receiving anymore birth control and emergency contraceptives. I wanted to know why. I’m sharing what the free funding has done for people across our neighborhoods and asking state leaders why they didn’t renew funding.
- Michigan ended its free birth control program that distributed over 460,000 contraceptives to community centers.
- Women’s Center of Greater Lansing lost access to free emergency contraceptives that cost $35-50 in stores.
- State officials say the initiative raised awareness for Medicaid and Plan First programs, with possibility of future funding
“Around 15 months ago we got an email from the state of Michigan saying hey any community centers or other places if you’re willing to distribute this, we will start sending you boxes, we said absolutely,” said Rebecca Kasen, the executive director of the Women’s Center of Greater Lansing.
Michigan ends free birth control program that distributed 460,000 resources to community centers
Kasen told me they’ve been able to consistently provide birth control and emergency contraceptives to people free of charge.
“Not everyone has access to medical insurance and doctors,” Kasen said.
She said it was made possible through MDHHS’ Take Control of Your Birth Control initiative, distributing over 460,000 resources in November of 2024…