LANSING, Mich. (Sept. 23, 2024) — Continuing to champion legislation to ensure all Michigan residents have the autonomy, power, and freedom to make their own medical decisions, Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak) recently introduced Senate Bills 987, 988, and 1006. Working in concert with the Senate Democrats’ “Freedom to Plan Act” to address an array of Michiganders’ family planning needs, this legislation would ensure more inclusive access to immediate postpartum long-acting reversible contraception (IPP-LARC), an innovative strategy to help reduce the rate of unintended short interval pregnancies and improve maternal health.
“As a mom, I know firsthand how overwhelming everything can be after giving birth,” said Sen. McMorrow, lead sponsor of the package. “Between both mental and physical recovery, the awe and responsibility and countless decisions involving a new baby, oftentimes a mother’s own needs fall to the wayside, and it can be easy to lose sight of securing contraception in the midst of an endless list of to-dos. By providing access to long-acting reversible contraception before leaving the hospital, we can ensure Michigan families can check one thing off their list knowing that their decision on if or when to get pregnant again is handled on their terms.”
IPP-LARC is the provision of either an implant or intrauterine device after delivery and in the hospital setting prior to inpatient discharge. Since its inception, IPP-LARC has served as a critical component of reproductive health, helping empower patients to choose a course of care that best fits their needs and the needs of their family. In addition to addressing low rates of attendance at outpatient postpartum visits and lack of insurance coverage that Medicaid recipients often face in the postpartum period, IPP-LARC is an evidence-based and equitable strategy designed to reduce the rate of unintended short interval pregnancies which pose a health risk to new mothers.
“IUDs are a safe, effective, and convenient option for Michiganders, especially new mothers, looking to take control of their reproductive health and plan their futures,” said Sen. McMorrow. “For too many women in underserved or rural communities, however, IUDs are not readily available at their local hospital. With this legislation, we’re not only ensuring Michigan mothers have the power to grow their family on their own terms with IPP-LARC, but that healthcare providers in every corner of our state are properly equipped to fulfill those needs.”
Despite the benefits this strategy poses, IPP-LARC is not included in most health plans’ Labor and Delivery bundle, meaning patients must pay out-of-pocket costs. As prices for an intrauterine device (IUD) typically range between $500 and $1,300, the personal cost burden leaves this convenient and effective health service out of reach for families across Michigan. To rectify the issue, Senate Bills 987and 988 would require private insurers and Medicaid to cover the placement of long-acting reversible contraception and accompanying anesthesia services immediately following labor.
“Many patients request intrauterine devices immediately after giving birth because it’s more convenient and they may not otherwise have the time or financial resources for a follow-up appointment,” said Dr. Sarah Wallett, Chief Medical Operating Officer at Planned Parenthood of Michigan. “By having IUDs available, patients are empowered to plan their reproductive futures, whether they know their family is complete, learn that another pregnancy may carry health risks for them, or simply want to space their children out, which has significant benefits to maternal and infant health. We applaud our legislative partners for expanding equitable access to reproductive health care for all Michiganders.”
Another key component of this package, Senate Bill 1006, would require hospitals to stock IUDs, a safe and highly effective form of long-acting reversible contraception. As IUDs last for several years and do not affect individuals’ ability to become pregnant in the future, they serve as a popular choice for women and individuals who can become pregnant. This legislation would ensure that Michigan residents have both coverage and access to the full range of postpartum contraceptive methods before leaving the hospital after a delivery.
“IUD and contraceptive implant placement immediately after giving birth is safe, convenient for patients who desire long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), co-effective, and has been shown to improve health outcomes by helping people achieve their goals of healthier spacing of pregnancies,” said Dr. Halley Crissman, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Fellow Advocacy Co-Chair. “This legislation would ensure hospitals and birth centers will have these devices available — such that doctors and advanced practice clinicians attending births can offer this care equitably to all patients, regardless of geography.”
While other states work to restrict access to basic reproductive health care, these newly introduced bills mark the latest in a series of efforts by the Michigan Legislature to ensure Michiganders’ right to choose is safeguarded for current and future generations. Following the repeal of the outdated and harmful 1931 abortion ban, Senate Democrats led the charge on the Reproductive Health Act, which removes unnecessary medical regulations that specifically targeted abortion care facilities. Additionally, the Legislature passed the Family Protection Act to modernize the state’s surrogacy laws and protect other forms of assisted reproduction, such as IVF. Most recently, Sens. Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Twp.) and Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor) introduced the “Freedom to Plan Act,” which would break down financial barriers to over-the-counter (OTC) oral hormonal contraceptives and emergency contraceptives.