Birth Control

Federal law requires most private insurance plans (and Medicaid) to cover many types of contraception, including drugs that require a prescription. But over-the-counter birth control drugs aren't included. Bills introduced in the state Senate this week would change that.

Michigan bills to increase access to birth control received a House committee hearing Tuesday. The legislation would give trained pharmacists the power to prescribe certain birth control methods, like contraceptive patches.

The over the counter, oral daily use contraceptive pill for women is manufactured by Perrigo, whose North American headquarters is located in Grand Rapids.