Whitmer signs bills allowing Michigan pharmacists to prescribe birth control

Two bills signed into law this week aim to boost access to reproductive health care for thousands of Michiganders—namely by enabling licensed pharmacists to prescribe and dispense contraceptives.

MICHIGAN—Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed two bills this week to cut through what she described as “unnecessary red tape” that has limited access to reproductive health care.

House Bills 5435 and 5436, signed into law during a ceremony in Flint on Tuesday, now allow licensed Michigan pharmacists to directly prescribe and dispense contraception, including birth control and emergency contraceptives, sometimes referred to as the “morning after” pill. 

Whitmer said the new laws will eliminate barriers to reproductive health care—especially in rural areas that are facing significant shortages of obstetricians and gynecologists (OB/GYNs).

“These bills are a big deal for busy families saving time and money,” Whitmer said in a video shared to social media this week. “One-third of Michigan counties are experiencing a shortage of obstetricians and gynecologists, meaning these families have to wait months or travel long distances just to access basic health care. The bills I’m signing will address this. They’ll also save Michiganders several trips to the doctor’s office and help lower their out-of-pocket costs.”

3️⃣0️⃣ states already allow pharmacists to prescribe contraceptives. This is a commonsense policy that’s good for patients and providers. pic.twitter.com/7QEozjFkL3

— Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) January 21, 2025

The new laws codify an existing policy from the state Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, which was implemented following an executive directive from Whitmer in 2022. 

And by making the policy permanent in state law, Whitmer aims to position pharmacists as key players in expanding access to contraceptives—especially in underserved communities.

“Whether you’re getting ready to start a family or figuring out which contraceptive option is best for you, I’ll fight to make sure you have the freedom to make that choice,” Whitmer said in a statement this week. “Together, let’s keep fighting like hell to protect reproductive rights.”

Addressing Health Care Shortages

The two bills were sponsored by state Reps. Stephanie Young (D-Detroit) and Kara Hope (D-Holt). In a press release, they emphasized the new laws’ potential to close gaps in care.

“This new law makes it easier for individuals—especially those in underserved communities—to take charge of their health and their futures,” Young said in a statement. 

According to testimony in the state Senate last year, Michigan is in the midst of a severe shortage of OB/GYNs—with at least 27 of Michigan’s 83 counties having no OB/GYNs at all. 

As a result, the availability of medical professionals who can currently prescribe hormonal contraceptives is “insufficient to cover the whole of Michigan’s residents,” lawmakers found.

The legislation signed this week is aimed at filling those coverage gaps for “thousands of Michiganders” who currently don’t have access to anyone who can fill their prescriptions locally. It also aims to recognize pharmacists as “important members of a woman’s health care team.”

“Contraception should be easily and safely accessible,” Hope said in a release. “Now that these bills are law, barriers like geography and health care shortages are no longer obstacles to receiving contraceptive care in Michigan. These new laws will make a meaningful change.”

Empowering Patients and Pharmacists

Eric Roath, executive director of the Michigan Pharmacists Association, also praised the legislation for its ability to improve access to pharmacist-prescribed hormonal contraception.

“It enhances women’s health by further empowering them to take control over reproductive decisions using safe and effective medications,” Roath said in a statement. “This is critical toward improving health outcomes and reducing unnecessary healthcare spending.”

Eight out of ten women, or 79.8%, have used birth control pills at some point in their lives, according to the CDC. Two out of ten, or 23.5%, have used emergency contraception, also sometimes referred to as the “morning after pill,” according to Planned Parenthood of Michigan.

“This legislation means patients who cannot easily reach a Planned Parenthood health center or primary care physician can access contraception at their local pharmacy instead,” Ashlea Phenicie, chief advocacy officer of Planned Parenthood of Michigan, said in a press release. “As we brace for attacks on sexual and reproductive health care under a second Trump Administration, every step we can take to preserve and expand access to contraception is critical.”

At least 20 other states also have laws that allow pharmacists to prescribe contraceptives.

Whitmer described the new laws as a continuation of efforts to protect and expand reproductive rights in Michigan—an increasingly critical issue with anti-abortion Republicans now in control of the state House of Representatives, both chambers of Congress, and the White House. 

“These bills are just a few in a long list of actions we’ve taken here in Michigan to make sure every Michigander can make their own decisions about their own bodies,” Whitmer said. 

READ MORE: Free birth control, condoms available at 300+ locations across Michigan

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