Women's Health

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.

The plaintiffs in a lawsuit against Michigan’s ban on using Medicaid to fund abortion care are appealing the dismissal of their case. Colin Jackson has more.

Prenatal care has normally consisted of a dozen or so scheduled checkups before a baby is born. Now, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has issued new guidelines for expectant mothers. WEMU's Caroline MacGregor reports.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is asking a judge to reconsider an earlier ruling regarding abortion rights and strike down a law that requires abortion care clinics to screen patients on whether they are being pressured to end a pregnancy. Rick Pluta has more.

Planned Parenthood of Michigan recently announced plans to close several of its health centers in Michigan and to consolidate its Ann Arbor offices into one location. WEMU's Caroline MacGregor talked with Planned Parenthood of Michigan President and CEO Paula Thornton Greear about the impact of a series of federal funding cuts and the organization’s long-term sustainability.

Two bills signed into law this week by Governor Whitmer allow pharmacists to prescribe birth control. Caroline MacGregor has more.