Women's Health

Katharine Dexter McCormick was a vocal supporter of women’s rights, paving the way for women to enter and excel in previously disallowed career fields. As a suffragist, philanthropist, and scientist, she broke boundaries from an early age. Born in Dexter, Michigan, she was one of the first women to graduate from MIT. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor talked with the Dexter Area Historical Society’s Caryl Burke and Jan Weaver about her early life and influence on women’s reproductive rights.

Advocates for maternal health and well-being gathered in Detroit Thursday night to call for more support for mothers. Colin Jackson has more.

The Michigan House passed a bill package Wednesday to outlaw what’s known as “fertility fraud.” Colin Jackson has more.

Michigan bills to have the state track abortion data again are scheduled for a state House committee hearing today. Colin Jackson has more.

Michigan bills to prevent fraud in fertility treatment received a hearing Tuesday before a state House committee. Michigan Public Radio’s Colin Jackson has more.

Foundational support systems can go a long way in determining life outcomes. When there are systemic barriers, the task of growing a successful and happy life becomes more difficult. The Women’s Center of Southeast Michigan continues its work in offering systems to support the emotional and economic self-determination of women and their families. WEMU's David Fair spoke with executive director Hannah Reischl about challenges of achieving greater equity and equality.

Running away from problems usually doesn't work. Running through problems can be a game changer. That's where an Ypsilanti-based non-profit comes in. Girls on the Run of Southeastern Michigan serves Washtenaw and four other counties in empowering young girls by running—literally. The exercise is healthy in and of itself. The connections and relationships created help increase confidence and self-determination. WEMU's David Fair runs through the reasons why this is a program making a difference in our community with Girls on the Run of Southeastern Michigan's executive director, Danielle Plunkett.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Intimate partner violence will touch the lives in two out of every five women in America. That holds true here in Washtenaw County, as well. For decades now, the issue has been brought out in the open, yet it remains a public health crisis. WEMU's David Fair spoke with SafeHouse Center executive director, Christine Watson, about raising more awareness and activism.

A U.S. appeals court panel has allowed President Donald Trump’s administration to block Medicaid funds to Planned Parenthood while legal challenges continue. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor reports.

With the closure of several of its health centers in Michigan, Planned Parenthood of Michigan is turning more to telehealth services to provide reproductive health care to patients. The service allows medical providers to provide face-to-face appointments for individuals, no matter where they are located. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor talks with Clinical Director of Telehealth, Jess Agius about the virtual service.