Whitmer directs state agencies to strengthen privacy protections for reproductive health data

In an executive order issued Thursday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer directed executive departments and agencies to conduct a review of “all policies, procedures, and practices governing the collection, maintenance, storage, and retention of records and data relating to an individual’s reproductive health” and revise any such policies in order to ensure the privacy of that data. 

The review must include, but is not limited to, any precise geolocation information derived from an individual’s internet-connected device and any existing data-sharing agreements or contracts.

“This executive directive is another important step in keeping our patients and providers safe,” Whitmer said in a press release. “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.”

According to a news release from Whitmer’s office, reproductive care includes, but is not limited to, prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, contraception, sterilization, abortion care, miscarriage management, and infertility care. 

Whitmer supports legislation that would protect reproductive health data

The directive, which bars sharing geolocation information and other data with commercial organizations and federal agencies, takes effect immediately and requires departments with relevant records to submit a report to the governor’s office detailing their findings and any policy changes. 

Reproductive rights advocates celebrated Whitmer’s order as she enters the final months of her term, with Planned Parenthood of Michigan President and CEO Paula Thornton Greear thanking Whitmer for her work in office.

“Nobody should have to fear that accessing sexual and reproductive health care could endanger them,” Thornton Greear said. “That protection reaches someone getting prenatal care, a family going through infertility treatment, a patient managing a miscarriage, a student picking up birth control, and anyone who needs an abortion. Every one of them deserves to know that seeking care in Michigan won’t leave a trail someone can use against them.”

That was a change in tone from earlier this year when Planned Parenthood of Michigan asked Whitmer to provide $5 million to prevent the closure of health centers around the state amid attacks and funding cuts from the Trump administration. 

When the governor said the agency would need to look to the Legislature for assistance, Greear said Michigan patients were “not a football to be tossed around from branch to branch of the government,” and that Whitmer needed “to take responsibility and … drive a solution forward.”

Less than two months later, Planned Parenthood of Michigan announced it was permanently closing clinics in Lansing, Livonia and Warren.