Michigan’s abortion laws include many requirements before the procedure can be performed. Michigan has similar laws to three of its neighboring states, but has more restrictions than many states throughout the country.
Michigan appears to be more in favor with pro-life advocates than with those who consider themselves pro-choice.
NARAL Pro-Choice America, which ranks states according to their permissive abortion laws, gives Michigan an F rating because of its “anti-choice” stance in the state’s executive and legislative branches.
In contrast, states that do not have any major types of abortion restrictions, including waiting periods and mandated parental involvement, receive A ratings, such as Vermont, Connecticut and California.
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Pennsylvania and Virginia join Michigan with an F rating from NARAL. The three states have restrictions that include counseling for women that often discourages them from having an abortion before the procedure. The states also limit the availability of abortion procedures under certain health care plans.
In Michigan, health plans for private insurance policies or under the Affordable Care Act don’t automatically include coverage for abortion. However, in both cases, women can get an optional rider at an additional cost. Abortion in health insurance plans for public employees is only for cases that involve life endangerment. Public funding is available for life endangerment, rape or incest,
according to the Guttmacher Institute.
Counseling is required for women at least 24 hours before an abortion procedure. Minors need parental consent.
However, a minor, under age 18, who cannot get parental consent may use the judicial bypass procedure under Michigan law. A judge determines if the minor is mature enough to make her own decision about her pregnancy,
according to the Northland Family Planning Centers. Legal agencies sometimes provide information and work with the minor in preparation for an appearance before the judge.
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