On June 26, 2024, major changes were made to Michigan’s informed consent for abortion laws. A Michigan Judge ruled to suspend three restrictions that were previously required before a woman could receive an abortion procedure in Michigan. Informed consent laws are put in place to help patients understand the procedure their doctor is performing and/or medicine is provided. The patient must consent that they understand and agree.
Here is a brief outline of the changes and the effects of the changes.
While the case for Michigan’s abortion restrictions has not reached its final ruling, the changes below are in effect as of June 26th,2024 Let’s take a look at what the restrictions were and what has changed as a result of the recent ruling:
Michigan Informed Consent for Abortion Laws – The Changes
Michigan’s 24-Hour Wait Law
Prior to June, Michigan required patients seeking an abortion to wait 24 hours before receiving an abortion procedure. The intention of this law was to allow patients time to reflect on the information provided about the abortion procedure and make a well-considered decision.
What has changed?
Women are no longer required to wait 24 hours before receiving an abortion.
Informed Consent
Michigan law required abortion patients to review (and to sign a consent form acknowledging that they had reviewed and understood) information about:
- The Abortion Procedure: Details about how the abortion will be performed, including what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
- Potential Risks and Benefits: Information about the possible risks and benefits of having an abortion, as well as the potential risks of continuing with the pregnancy.
- Alternatives to Abortion: Information about other abortion and pregnancy options (such as parenting and adoption) in order to consider all possibilities before making a decision.
- Support Services: Information about resources available, such as counseling and support services, both for continuing with the pregnancy and after the abortion.
Laws under informed consent also include a requirement for abortion providers to screen patients for coercion to ensure they are not being forced to get an abortion.
What has changed?
Patients are no longer required to review information or to sign a consent form acknowledging they have reviewed information prior to a procedure.
Abortion providers are still required to screen patients for coercion. This has not changed.
Ban on Clinicians Other Than Physicians Performing Abortions
Under informed consent laws, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and certified nurse midwives (referred to as Advanced Practice Clinicians, or APCs) were not previously permitted to perform abortion procedures.
What has changed?
The judge has ruled that APCs are now able to perform abortion procedures.
How Does This Affect You?
Most of the changes apply to abortion providers who are performing the abortion. However, PRC Grand Rapids believes that a patient’s understanding of accurate abortion information is critical in order to receive the best care. Our mission remains imperative to women’s health, and we seek to educate women on abortion procedures and the abortion pill.
If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and don’t know where to begin, PRC Grand Rapids is here for you. We offer free pregnancy services and information on all of your options to help you make the best choice for you.
Contact us for more information on Michigan’s informed consent for abortion or to receive free help with an unplanned pregnancy:
Call: 616-319-2409
Text: 616-319-2409
Sources
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Informed Consent. Accessed August 2024.
Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) MCL 333.17015. Accessed August 2024.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Informed Consent and Shared Decision-Making in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Accessed August 2024.