Who's Joining Whitmer's "Menopause Movement"?

With the passage of Proposal 3 in 2022, which enshrined abortion access, and removed most limits on abortion, into the state’s constitution, Michigan Democrats are looking for another sex-specific policy to keep “individuals” engaged. But how will they balance a naturally occurring biological process with their platform of “inclusivity” that says anyone can become a woman if they identify as such?

As if using abortion as an economic development tool and population growth strategy, and updating workplace policies for breastfeeding individuals, wasn’t cringe enough, Michigan is moving forward with the Menopause “Movement.” The use of the word “movement” is deliberate. Menopause is not presented as healthcare or a life stage; it’s presented as a cause you’re supposed to join.

The recommendations come from the governor’s handpicked Michigan Women’s Commission, which still uses the old-fashioned term for females of the human species that is occasionally corrected by the hip, more inclusive Movement team to “people” or “individuals.”

Throughout the rollout, the “Movement” is pitched as a new discovery with a heavy emphasis on awarenessism, rather than a life phase half the population has dealt with since the beginning of time.

When actress Halle Berry met with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on the topic, she said she “found herself in it“ and “had no idea menopause was even coming for” her.

The “Movement” explicitly covers “Work, Healthcare, Home,” and “Beyond.” Menopause will now be managed from the state level with a task force, legislation, and workplace regulations, rather than a woman and her doctor.

The movement expands into the workplace, where employers are being introduced to their evolving role as unofficial regulators of employee body temperature. Legislation includes:

• House Bill 4814, which would require insurers cover menopause-related treatments, including hormone therapy, while limiting so-called fail-first requirements. Senate Bill 717 would extend similar requirements into Medicaid.
• House Bill 4791, which would create a statewide menopause education program, directing public resources toward awareness campaigns and provider training.

The state will invest in an extensive awareness campaign, including celebrities, storytellers, comedians, webinars, training, reports, a statewide tour, and—of course—government oversight. And, because it’s a “Movement,” there’s no single price tag.

A quiet update to statutory language—from “woman” to “individual”—sits quietly underneath all of this. With the passage of Proposal 3, lawmakers replaced “woman” with “individual,” erasing how the state refers to sex-specific biology to adopt more “inclusive” language.

Michigan law would not say menopause applies to women. It would simply regulate “individuals experiencing menopause.” The tension between inclusivity and biology is palpable, as evidenced by the inconsistent use of menopausal “People” and “Women.”

As if mandatory HR trainings about sexual harassment, implicit bias, DEI, and other controversial social issues aren’t awkward enough, the Michigan Women’s Commission memo also recommends employers educate all employees, create accommodations, and train supervisors and HR staff as well as doctors through mandating training and continuing education.

Other preliminary workplace recommendations include remote work options, updating ventilation systems, access to cold water, clear “resource packets,” and time off to deal with symptoms.

While menopause has been a phase of life for half the population since the beginning of time, it was never a government issue until now, and it certainly hasn’t opened the door to the entire population in the name of “inclusivity.”

Anyone in the State of Michigan can now join the “Movement.” Who wants in?