Michigan's Planned Parenthood Expands Access to Vasectomies Amid Rise in Demand.
In a bid to address the growing demand for vasectomies, Michigan-based non-profit reproductive health organization Planned Parenthood of Michigan has launched a pilot program offering this form of permanent birth control. The program, which marks an expansion of services offered by the organization, aims to provide men with more accessible and affordable options for preventing pregnancy.
According to Dr. Kate Starr, Planned Parenthood of Michigan's chief medical officer, the decision to introduce vasectomy services stems from patient feedback highlighting a need for more control over reproductive health. "We hear from our patients about wanting more control over their reproductive health or wanting to support their partners in preventing pregnancy," Dr. Starr said. "We hope this new program can help fill some of the gaps in need and access, while continuing to fight against barriers to care."
The pilot program, launched at Planned Parenthood of Michigan's Irwin/Martin Health Center in Grand Rapids, is set to expand throughout the state by 2026. The organization notes that vasectomies are a safe and effective form of permanent birth control for men, citing its "no-scalpel" technique as less invasive with fewer risks compared to traditional methods.
Demand for vasectomies has been on the rise in recent years, growing by 26% from 2014 to 2021. The trend is seen as part of a broader increase in access to permanent birth control, particularly among younger men following the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022 and subsequent state-level measures to protect abortion rights.
Planned Parenthood's president and CEO Paula Thornton Greear has stated that the organization remains committed to expanding reproductive health services despite ongoing attacks on sexual and reproductive health nationwide. "Our resolve only deepens," she said, emphasizing the importance of providing Michiganders with control over their bodies, lives, and futures.
As the demand for vasectomies continues to rise, Planned Parenthood's initiative highlights the organization's dedication to filling gaps in access and addressing the evolving needs of its patients. With this expansion, Michigan residents can now benefit from more comprehensive reproductive health care services, providing them with greater control over their choices and well-being.
In a bid to address the growing demand for vasectomies, Michigan-based non-profit reproductive health organization Planned Parenthood of Michigan has launched a pilot program offering this form of permanent birth control. The program, which marks an expansion of services offered by the organization, aims to provide men with more accessible and affordable options for preventing pregnancy.
According to Dr. Kate Starr, Planned Parenthood of Michigan's chief medical officer, the decision to introduce vasectomy services stems from patient feedback highlighting a need for more control over reproductive health. "We hear from our patients about wanting more control over their reproductive health or wanting to support their partners in preventing pregnancy," Dr. Starr said. "We hope this new program can help fill some of the gaps in need and access, while continuing to fight against barriers to care."
The pilot program, launched at Planned Parenthood of Michigan's Irwin/Martin Health Center in Grand Rapids, is set to expand throughout the state by 2026. The organization notes that vasectomies are a safe and effective form of permanent birth control for men, citing its "no-scalpel" technique as less invasive with fewer risks compared to traditional methods.
Demand for vasectomies has been on the rise in recent years, growing by 26% from 2014 to 2021. The trend is seen as part of a broader increase in access to permanent birth control, particularly among younger men following the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022 and subsequent state-level measures to protect abortion rights.
Planned Parenthood's president and CEO Paula Thornton Greear has stated that the organization remains committed to expanding reproductive health services despite ongoing attacks on sexual and reproductive health nationwide. "Our resolve only deepens," she said, emphasizing the importance of providing Michiganders with control over their bodies, lives, and futures.
As the demand for vasectomies continues to rise, Planned Parenthood's initiative highlights the organization's dedication to filling gaps in access and addressing the evolving needs of its patients. With this expansion, Michigan residents can now benefit from more comprehensive reproductive health care services, providing them with greater control over their choices and well-being.