Michigan Abortion Wait Time
Anyone wishing to have an abortion in Michigan is required by the state to receive written State-scripted information at least 24 hours before the procedure. While Northland Family Planning Centers have always provided– and continues to provide– our patients with helpful and informative decision-making information, the state required materials are not our informed consent materials.
You MUST PRINT OUT Informed Consent for Abortion (michigan.gov) MORE than 24 hours before your abortion appointment and bring it with you. If you don’t print this out WE CANNOT LEGALLY PERFORM YOUR ABORTION (this is Michigan law). You must bring the paperwork with you to your appointment.
If you do not have a printer, you can come to the clinic and pick up the information MORE than 24 hours (not the night before) before your abortion appointment. Only viewing the information on the computer does not satisfy the state law.
We believe the mandated Michigan abortion wait time, passed into state law in 1999, is not in the best interest of patients, and makes abortion more difficult to access. Some of the State-scripted information is misleading and inaccurate. Therefore, we promise to continue to provide patients with our own accurate and non-judgmental informed consent information on the day of their appointment.
We know having to follow the 24-hour waiting period is a hassle. We know you are making, or have made, this pregnancy decision thoughtfully, but in order to have an abortion, you MUST receive the State-written version of abortion information at least 24 hours before your abortion appointment.
Don’t forget to review our Pre Procedure Instructions.
Following The Law
You are required by law to receive or review the State-written version of abortion information 24 hours before your abortion appointment.
You can count on us to not only follow the law, but to also welcome you into a comfortable and safe place to receive the most accurate information, most compassionate care and the highest quality medical treatment with the dignity and respect you deserve.
- You must receive or review the State-written version of abortion information 24 hours before your abortion appointment
There are three ways to get the state-required information:
- Come in and we can give you a copy
- Call and we can fax a copy to you
- Review the information on the State of Michigan web site and bring in a completed Informed Consent Confirmation Form
If you choose the State website:
You are required to scroll through the entire web site but legally you don’t have to read it. The link we’ve provided will take you to the State-required information on the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) website.
If you choose the State website for the State-required information Informed Consent for Abortion (michigan.gov), here are some user-friendly steps.
Step 1: Click on the circle above “For Patients”
Step 2: Click on either: Informed Consent Confirmation Form (Arabic | Spanish) or click on the “Finish” button for the Informed Consent Confirmation Form
Step 3: Print the Informed Consent Confirmation Form. To print, click on the “Print” button or right-click the page and select "Print."
- You must print this page and bring it in with you.
Print and bring the informed consent confirmation form with you on the day of your appointment.
THIS FORM MUST HAVE:
- The date and time it was printed
- The earliest date and time that you are able to have an abortion under this law
- An expiration date that is 2 weeks from the day you printed the Confirmation Form
IF YOUR APPOINTMENT IS SCHEDULED AFTER THE EXPIRATION DATE YOU WILL NEED TO REVISIT THE WEBSITE TO OBTAIN A CONFIRMATION FORM THAT MUST BE VALID ON THE DATE OF YOUR APPOINTMENT.
We’re here for you!
If you have any questions about this process or the Michigan law, please call us during regular business hours. 1-800-447-7354
Our Michigan Abortion Clinic Locations
Abortion in Michigan
Learn more about getting an abortion in Michigan