Article Summary –
The article discusses the shutdown of the federal website reproductiverights.gov, which was launched in 2022 to provide information about reproductive health care, including abortion medications, state abortion policies, and insurance coverage for birth control. Despite the federal site’s closure, several state and national sites continue to offer resources for reproductive care, such as Michigan’s state site and national organizations like Power to Decide, which provide directories and support for accessing reproductive health services. Additionally, online platforms like Bedsider, AbortionFinder, and others offer comprehensive directories and resources to help individuals navigate reproductive health care, including access to abortion and contraceptive services.
The federal website reproductiverights.gov, essential for public reproductive health care information, went offline shortly after President Donald Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20, as reported by CBS News.
While the federal site has been shut down, many state and national platforms continue to offer patients information on accessing reproductive services, including abortions, prenatal care, contraceptives, and cancer and STI screenings.
Launched in 2022 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the federal site provided details on the effectiveness of abortion medications mifepristone and misoprostol, states with abortion bans, and birth control coverage mandates for private insurance and the Affordable Care Act.
The site also listed clinics offering cancer screenings, prenatal care, and STI screenings, alongside information on abortion and contraceptive rights.
The Michigan Independent reached out to HHS for comments on the site’s removal but received no response.
A 2023 survey by Power to Decide of 1,150 women ages 15 to 29 revealed 73% were unaware of where to obtain an abortion soon, and 41% didn’t know how to find a clinic or provider.
Michigan
In Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office directs residents to a site detailing insurance coverage for birth control and STI prevention, and offers a list of clinics.
The state also provides a site on its Family Planning Program for low-cost reproductive health care based on financial eligibility, explaining the federal Title X benefits.
Online
Power to Decide operates Bedsider and AbortionFinder, offering current resources for sexual and reproductive health care.
- Bedsider, launched in 2011, offers medically accurate birth control information and clinic locators, helping individuals make informed reproductive health decisions. By December 2024, Bedsider had 86.2 million visits.
- AbortionFinder, established in 2020, provides a verified directory of abortion providers and support. Since the Dobbs v. Jackson decision in 2022, it has received 9.9 million visits.
Plan C shares information on accessing self-administered abortion medication.
The Brigid Alliance assists pregnant individuals over 15 weeks with logistical and financial aid for out-of-state abortions.
AidAccess, founded by Dr. Rebecca Gomperts in 2018, helps women find abortion medication resources, ensures privacy, and delivers pills within 1 to 5 days across the U.S.
I Need An A provides a safe, private search for abortion services, state laws, costs, and social media-curated abortion stories.
The National Network of Abortion Funds consists of nearly 100 independent funds offering financial assistance and logistical support for out-of-state abortions, including travel and childcare expenses.
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