Know the Facts: Abortion in Michigan

Is Abortion Legal in Michigan?

• Abortions are legal in Michigan until the 24th week of pregnancy.
• The abortion pill can be used until the 10th week of pregnancy (LMP).
• D&E abortions are banned in Michigan.

This page addresses abortion questions such as:

• Can You Get an Abortion in Michigan?
• How Late Can You Get an Abortion in Michigan?
• Is Abortion Illegal in Michigan?

⚖️ Wondering whether to get an abortion? Take the Abortion Test.

Can You Get an Abortion in Michigan?

• Abortion is legal in Michigan until viability, i.e., until the fetus can survive outside the womb. Any fetus older than 24 weeks LMP (counting from the first day of the last menstrual period) is considered viable.
• Counseling must be provided by the abortion clinic (in writing, virtually, or in person), followed by a 24-hour waiting period before an abortion can be performed.
• Only medical doctors may provide abortions in Michigan.
• No further extensions are given in cases of rape, incest, fetal abnormalities, or the mother's health.
• Abortions are always permitted to save the mother's life.
• Parental consent is needed for minors to receive an abortion in Michigan.

ℹ️ For more information, go to:

• Is Abortion Legal?
• Fetal Defect Abortion
• Abortion in Cases of Rape or Incest

How Late Can You Get an Abortion in Michigan?

While abortion is legal in Michigan until viability (i.e., until the fetus can survive outside the womb; around 24 weeks), abortion options are limited after the first trimester. Most abortion clinics only offer the abortion pill and vacuum extraction, which are exclusively used in the first trimester.

Nationwide, most later abortions are performed by dilation and evacuation (D&E). Since this method is banned in Michigan, second-trimester abortions would involve labor induction. This necessitates an overnight stay at the hospital or abortion clinic.

• The abortion pill can be used until the 10th week of pregnancy (LMP). This time-window is federally mandated for all US states because the risk of complications increases exponentially if used beyond this point.
• Vacuum aspiration is the primary surgical abortion method used until the 16th week of pregnancy, after which the fetus becomes too large for suctioning.
• Induction abortions can be used in second and third-trimester terminations. This involves two steps: Mifegyne is administered at the abortion facility, causing the cervix to efface. Misoprostol is given 12-48 hours later, which dilates the cervix and causes contractions, bringing about the expulsion of the fetus.

📅 Unsure how far along you are? Use our Pregnancy Tracker to find out! 

ℹ️ For more information, go to:

• How Late Can You Get an Abortion?
• Late-Term Abortion

Is Abortion Illegal in Michigan?

Abortion is illegal in Michigan outside of the legal parameters.

• Michigan has specific laws banning D&E abortion (Dismemberment Ban HB 4320-4321 and SB 229-230). Performing a D&E abortion carries a prison sentence of two years. The maximum criminal sentence for providing an abortion in Michigan is 15 years.
• Self-inducing an abortion without the aid of a medical provider is illegal in Michigan. This law was established with the health of women in mind. Most homemade abortion methods carry higher risks, making them unsafe. The concern for the safety of the mother is of the highest priority.
  
• Could I Force a Miscarriage? Test
• 🩺 Should I have a fetal defect abortion? Test
• 🛤 Could an abortion affect me long-term? Quiz

ℹ️ For more information, go to:

• Can I Get Punished for an Abortion?
• Coerced Abortion
• Secret Abortion

I Need an Abortion in Michigan — Now What?

Hopefully, our page addressed some of your practical questions about abortion in Michigan. Perhaps your concerns go beyond the need for information. You may have recently found out you are pregnant, bringing your heart to a standstill while your mind races on.

We are here for you as you navigate your next steps! If you are deliberating whether to have an abortion, you are invited to participate in our weeklong  Decision Coaching sessions. This includes a free daily email for seven days, with thought-provoking ideas and stories of how other pregnant women have dealt with this challenging situation.

👉Click here for more information and prompts for signing up!

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