Click here to access the State-written paperwork online.
You must print the Informed Consent Confirmation Form MORE THAN 24 hours before your appointment.
Michigan Abortion Wait Time
Following The Law
Anyone who wants to have an abortion in Michigan is required by state law to receive State-written information at least 24 hours before the procedure (not the night before).
There are three ways to get the state-required information:
- Come in to one of our clinics 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
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-Abortion Instructions.
State Website Instructions
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 AT LEAST 24 HOURS before your appointment and bring it in with you.
If you don’t print this out WE CANNOT LEGALLY PERFORM YOUR ABORTION (this is Michigan law). Only viewing the information on the computer does not satisfy the state law.
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 Informed Consent Confirmation Form
If your appointment is scheduled after the expiration date, you will need to revisit the website to get an Informed Consent Confirmation Form that is valid on the date of your appointment.
We’re Here For You!
If you have any questions about getting the state paperwork or the Michigan law, please call us during regular business hours. 1-800-447-7354
Northland Family Planning feels that 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.
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.
Teenage Abortion Laws
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.
Financial Assistance
Northland Family Planning works with several funding groups that can help pay for some of your abortion costs.
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.