MARQUETTE — On Wednesday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced more than 300 locations across the state now have free contraception resources available for Michigan families through the Take Control of Your Birth Control program.

These resources include over-the-counter oral birth control pills, emergency contraception, condoms and family planning educational resources. This program, initially announced in October, expands access to contraception, supporting reproductive health and empowering Michiganders to make informed family planning decisions.

Participating locations include community partners, local health departments, MDHHS offices and federally qualified health centers in every county of the state. Families are encouraged to visit michigan.gov/takecontrol to find an interactive map of participating organizations and learn more about how to access these essential resources. The emergency contraception, condoms, and over-the-counter oral contraceptives are available regardless of insurance and will continue as long as supplies are available.

In Marquette, the Marquette County Department of Health and Human Services at 234 W. Baraga Avenue. Distribution is available in person from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Marquette County Health Department or Healthy Families UP both at 184 U.S. 41 East in Negaunee. Distribution at Healthy Families will be available for pick up by calling 906-475-7844. MCHD distribution is available in person from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Maternal Infant Health Protection distribution via home visits.

“Everyone deserves the freedom to make their own decisions about their reproductive health,” Whitmer said in a news release. “With over 300 locations across Michigan now offering free birth control, emergency contraception, and other essential reproductive health tools, we are taking action to ensure that all Michiganders have the support they need. Decisions about reproductive health care should be between a woman, her doctor, and her trusted community. In Michigan, we must always protect your fundamental right to control your health and your future.”

“The goal of this program is to ensure individuals, regardless of their circumstances, have access to tools that allow them to make their own decisions about their health and future,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive, in the release. “We appreciate the overwhelming support we have received from organizations willing to help distribute free contraception resources to individuals. We want to make sure individuals who need and want these tools can easily obtain them. This campaign reflects the state’s ongoing commitment to ensuring equitable access to reproductive health services.”

Alongside free supplies, Take Control of Your Birth Control will give Michiganders the information they need to continue to get vital supplies covered going forward. The initiative provides information on how to use insurance to get free or low-cost birth control. For those without insurance, the program provides a guide to applying for coverage through Medicaid and the Plan First! program, which offer health care coverage for a variety of family planning services, including birth control, STI testing, and treatment.

Launched in 2023, Plan First! is a limited Medicaid benefit covering family planning services for those who do not qualify for traditional Medicaid. It is available to individuals of any age or gender who meet monthly income requirements and are Michigan residents. Increasing insurance coverage for family planning is another way Whitmer has continued to expand access to contraception.

Families can apply for Plan First! at michigan.gov/mibridges, by calling 855-789-5610 or visiting a local MDHHS county office. More information can be found at michigan.gov/planfirst.