Governor Gretchen Whitmer has just signed Executive Directive 2026-4, which strengthens protections for reproductive health data and ensures privacy for both Michigan patients and providers. This executive directive builds on previous critical work to expand access to reproductive health care and protect Michiganders’ bodily autonomy.
“Over the last eight years, I’ve fought like hell to protect Michiganders’ reproductive freedom,” said Governor Whitmer. “This executive directive is another important step in keeping our patients and providers safe. Data misuse is a growing threat, and we must make sure that reproductive care data never lands in the hands of people who could weaponize it. I’m proud to sign this executive directive to secure Michiganders’ reproductive health data and strengthen patients’ confidence as they seek reproductive care.”
This executive directive builds on a 2022 initiative by Whitmer calling for big tech companies to protect health data by instructing all executive departments and agencies to conduct a comprehensive review of all policies that relate to the collection, maintenance, and storage of reproductive health care data and ensure that it is under maximum protection. This includes restrictions on sharing geolocation information and other data with commercial organizations and federal agencies. Reproductive care includes, but is not limited to, prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, contraception, sterilization, abortion care, miscarriage management, and infertility care.
More detailed information on the executive directive can be found here.
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