Yes, it is possible to get an abortion when you are under 18 years old. However, there are teenage abortion laws that must be followed. Michigan state law says that you must have the consent of at least one parent or guardian, or obtain a judicial bypass. We can help you with either. Most states have some sort of law regarding teens and abortion. Don’t be afraid or discouraged. Just ask us and we can help you with this process. We have free attorneys and other resources available to assist you with this law.
In Michigan, parental consent or a judicial bypass is legally required for patients under the age of 18 to have an abortion.
Teenage Abortion Laws
If you are under 18 and want an abortion, Michigan makes you get written permission from a parent or legal guardian. That written permission is called “parental consent”. You only need parental consent from one parent or legal guardian.
If you cannot or do not want to involve your parent or guardian, or if they will not consent, you can go to court and ask a judge to allow you to get an abortion. This is called a judicial bypass. The judge does not decide if you can have an abortion, but if you are responsible enough to make your own decision about your pregnancy.
Judicial Bypass
If you need a judicial bypass, the staff of Northland can help you prepare. When you come in, we will verify your pregnancy and get some basic health information. Our staff will prepare you to meet with your attorney and explain what it is like to go in front of the judge. We also explain the abortion procedure so that you understand it, since most judges will ask about this.
We will give you the name and phone number of the attorney who has agreed to help you get a judicial bypass from a judge. This lawyer will work with you FREE of charge. If you cannot come into our office, please call us. We will provide the phone numbers for the local attorney over the phone.
If you have more questions about your rights in Michigan as a pregnant teen, check out MOASH, the Michigan Organization on Adolescent Sexual Health.
If you have the permission of your parent(s)
You or your parent(s) or legal guardian can make an abortion appointment at Northland Family Planning. You can also come in for free pregnancy options counseling (with or without a parent or legal guardian). The parent or legal guardian must be with you on the day of your abortion appointment and sign all the legal and medical paperwork, including the informed consent form.
If you want to talk with one of your parents or a guardian but are feeling scared or ashamed…
Call us. We will offer you advice on how to talk to your parents. Many young people who are afraid or ashamed to face their parent(s) bring them into our clinic, and together, we tell them that they are pregnant and counsel through the process. Northland Family Planning will stand by your side.
We strongly recommend that parents supporting their children in the abortion process read our Support page for how to help cope, as this can be a difficult time for everyone involved.
Sponsored by the Abortion Conversation Project (ACP), this resource offers helpful information on talking to your parents: CLICK HERE.