Planned Parenthood of Michigan Launches Vasectomy Pilot Program Amid Rising Demand for Permanent Birth Control
In a move to expand reproductive healthcare services, Planned Parenthood of Michigan has launched a vasectomy pilot program in Grand Rapids, marking an important step towards providing more options for men seeking permanent birth control. The non-profit organization aims to fill gaps in care and increase access to vasectomies, which have seen a significant rise in demand nationwide.
According to the organization, demand for vasectomies is on the rise, growing by 26% from 2014 to 2021. The trend has been particularly notable among younger men, with vasectomy rates increasing nearly 60% among those under 30 and 13% among single men since the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022.
"We hear from a lot of our patients about wanting more control over their reproductive health or wanting to support their partners in preventing pregnancy," said Dr. Kate Starr, Planned Parenthood of Michigan's chief medical officer. "We are excited to add vasectomy to the long list of sexual and reproductive health care services we offer, and hope this new program can help fill some of the gaps in need and access."
The pilot program launched at Planned Parenthood of Michigan's Irwin/Martin Health Center in Grand Rapids, and will expand throughout the state in 2026. The organization says it has seen a significant increase in requests for vasectomies since the Supreme Court decision, with many men citing the desire for more control over their reproductive health.
Planned Parenthood of Michigan is using a "no-scalpel" vasectomy technique, which it claims is less invasive, carries fewer risks, and offers a shorter recovery time compared to traditional vasectomies. The organization emphasizes that vasectomies are a safe and effective form of permanent birth control for men.
"This launch of vasectomy services in Grand Rapids is an important first step in providing more options for people seeking permanent birth control in Michigan," said Paula Thornton Greear, Planned Parenthood of Michigan president and CEO. "As the attacks on sexual and reproductive health continue to grow nationwide, our resolve only deepens. Everyone deserves the power to decide if, when, and how to grow their family, and our commitment to helping Michiganders exercise that right is unwavering."
The expansion of vasectomy services in Michigan comes as abortion access remains restricted or illegal in many states. The state's approval of Proposal 3 in 2022, which protects abortion rights, has helped ensure some level of access to reproductive healthcare services.
As the demand for vasectomies continues to rise, Planned Parenthood of Michigan is committed to providing more options for men seeking permanent birth control. With its launch of a vasectomy pilot program, the organization is taking a step towards expanding reproductive healthcare services and ensuring that all Michiganders have access to the care they need.
In a move to expand reproductive healthcare services, Planned Parenthood of Michigan has launched a vasectomy pilot program in Grand Rapids, marking an important step towards providing more options for men seeking permanent birth control. The non-profit organization aims to fill gaps in care and increase access to vasectomies, which have seen a significant rise in demand nationwide.
According to the organization, demand for vasectomies is on the rise, growing by 26% from 2014 to 2021. The trend has been particularly notable among younger men, with vasectomy rates increasing nearly 60% among those under 30 and 13% among single men since the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022.
"We hear from a lot of our patients about wanting more control over their reproductive health or wanting to support their partners in preventing pregnancy," said Dr. Kate Starr, Planned Parenthood of Michigan's chief medical officer. "We are excited to add vasectomy to the long list of sexual and reproductive health care services we offer, and hope this new program can help fill some of the gaps in need and access."
The pilot program launched at Planned Parenthood of Michigan's Irwin/Martin Health Center in Grand Rapids, and will expand throughout the state in 2026. The organization says it has seen a significant increase in requests for vasectomies since the Supreme Court decision, with many men citing the desire for more control over their reproductive health.
Planned Parenthood of Michigan is using a "no-scalpel" vasectomy technique, which it claims is less invasive, carries fewer risks, and offers a shorter recovery time compared to traditional vasectomies. The organization emphasizes that vasectomies are a safe and effective form of permanent birth control for men.
"This launch of vasectomy services in Grand Rapids is an important first step in providing more options for people seeking permanent birth control in Michigan," said Paula Thornton Greear, Planned Parenthood of Michigan president and CEO. "As the attacks on sexual and reproductive health continue to grow nationwide, our resolve only deepens. Everyone deserves the power to decide if, when, and how to grow their family, and our commitment to helping Michiganders exercise that right is unwavering."
The expansion of vasectomy services in Michigan comes as abortion access remains restricted or illegal in many states. The state's approval of Proposal 3 in 2022, which protects abortion rights, has helped ensure some level of access to reproductive healthcare services.
As the demand for vasectomies continues to rise, Planned Parenthood of Michigan is committed to providing more options for men seeking permanent birth control. With its launch of a vasectomy pilot program, the organization is taking a step towards expanding reproductive healthcare services and ensuring that all Michiganders have access to the care they need.