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FILE – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Sept. 14, 2022. The Republican candidate for Michigan governor has compared Whitmer’s policies to the 2020 plot to kidnap the Democratic incumbent. Tudor Dixon’s remarks at two events Friday, Sept. 23, immediately drew criticism from Democrats who said she was making light of a serious and dangerous crime. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)

Mohamed Bughrara, Macomb Digest

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has issued a new executive order mandating state agencies and programs look into ways to strengthen reproductive health care protections particularly as they relate to access to birth control.

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) gives women easier access to birth control and more choice to plan their kids. It is the consequence of the governor’s executive directive issued in May, urging state departments and agencies to seek and examine options to strengthen reproductive health care safeguards in the event that Roe v. Wade is reversed – which it was.

According to the state, the directive also instructs those agencies and departments not to cooperate with any state inquiry into persons who receive or provide lawful reproductive health care. 

Furthermore, the agencies and departmentss must establish how to provide additional alternatives for protecting physical, mental, and reproductive health while also being upfront about prices, information, and access to safe contraception.

 “As reproductive freedom is under attack across the nation, we are using every tool in our toolbox here in Michigan to protect women. Access to birth control is critical to a woman’s ability to plan her family and chart her own destiny. We are taking action to guarantee that Michigan women have the right to easily make reproductive health care decisions that are best for them.” said Governor Whitmer.

LARA advises all clinicians and pharmacists to assess their unique situations and practices, as well as to consult with their respective attorneys, to verify that suitable processes and medication protocols are in place, and that the breadth of delegation is acceptable in the circumstances. Moreover, during routine pharmacy inspections, LARA’s Bureau of Professional Licensing officials will assess prescription and dispensing processes and investigate any breaches of Michigan’s Public Health Code.

Governor Whitmer filed a lawsuit in April and utilised the Executive Message authority to seek the Michigan Supreme Court to rule on whether Michigan’s Constitution guarantees the right to abortion.

“Now is the time to use every tool in our toolbox to protect all aspects of reproductive health care. No matter what happens in DC, I am going to fight like hell so every Michigander can make decisions about their own body. However we personally feel about abortion, health, not politics, should drive important medical decisions. A woman must be able to make her own medical decisions with the advice of a healthcare professional she trusts. Politicians should not make that decision for her.” stated Governor Whitmer.

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