Michigan's 24-Hour
Waiting Period Law
ABOUT THIS SECTION
Northland Family Planning Centers have always been a leader and innovator in providing patients with helpful and informative decision-making information and accurate informed consent materials.
However, in the fall of 1999, the State of Michigan instituted a 24-Hour Waiting Period Law that requires women choosing an abortion to receive both the written and verbal State-scripted version of abortion information at least 24 hours before the procedure.
You are required by law to receive the verbal State-scripted information and to receive or review the State-written version of abortion information 24 hours before your abortion appointment.
WE BELIEVE
The state passed this law not in the best interest of women, but to make abortion more difficult to obtain. We also believe that some of the State-scripted information is misleading and inaccurate.
We believe women can be trusted to make their own decisions, with the support of their loved ones and those they trust, about pregnancy, including abortion. We believe that women know what is best for themselves and their families.
Therefore,
WE PROMISE
To continue to provide women with our own accurate and non-judgmental informed consent information on the day of their appointment.
We know this is a hassle. We have always provided full and accurate information about every reproductive option and service and we always will. We know you are making, or have made, this pregnancy decision thoughtfully.
PAGE CONTENTS
Following the Law
What do I have to do?
How can I get this information?
There are 3 ways to get the State-required information
If you choose the State website:
If you choose the State website for the State-required information, it can be confusing. And there are extra requirements. Read these hints to make it easier.
Print This Page
Sometimes it is easier to have the printed instructions in front of you as you go through the State website. Click on this icon to print this page.
Appointments
When you are ready, click here – and call us. We can work around your schedule.
Following the Law
There are two (2) parts to this law.
You are required by law to receive the verbal State-scripted information and to receive or review the State-written version of abortion information 24 hours before your abortion appointment. When you call for information or to schedule your appointment, we will follow the law, explain the requirements, and read you the verbal State-scripted statement. 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. Putting you first is the Northland way!
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How can I get this information?
There are 3 ways:
- Come in and we can give you a copy. Locate closest Northland Center: Locations & Maps
- Call and we can fax a copy to you.
- Call 1-800-447-7354
OR
- Review the information on the Internet and bring in a completed Informed Consent Confirmation Form. This way is a little more complicated, so we offer you some ways to make it more clear below.
The State-scripted information is also available over the Internet.
Click here to link to the State of Michigan website.
WAIT! Before you go there
If you choose the State website:
Here are some user-friendly hints that we've developed because many of our patients have complained that the instructions on the State's website are not clear:
- You can scroll through the entire website but that is not required by law.
- Be sure that you print out the "Informed Consent Confirmation Form", which is after the "Parenting" section.
Or follow these easy instructions, which also comply with the law:
- Click on "Michigan's Informed Consent for Abortion Law" in the center section of the web page.
- Click on "Next Page".
- Select the abortion procedure or procedures that you want to review and click on those on the right hand side.
If you are having a non-surgical abortion, we recommend that you review the "Medical Abortion Using Mifepristone and Misoprostol", "Suction Curettage", and "Dilation and Evacuation" pages.
If you are having a surgical abortion, we recommend that you review the "Suction Curettage" and "Dilation and Evacuation" pages.
- Click on "Next" at the bottom of the last procedure page you review.
- Click on the number of weeks on the Fetal Development Index page that most closely matches the fetus' gestational age, using your last menstrual period or recent sonogram (ultrasound) as a guide.
- Click on "Next" at the bottom of the Fetal Development page you review.
- Click on "Next" at the bottom of the Pre-Natal Care page.
- Click on "Next" at the bottom of the Parenting page.
- Print out the form titled: Informed Consent Confirmation Form .
What to bring with you to your appointment
If you choose to review the State required information on the State website, after reviewing YOU MUST PRINT THE INFORMED CONSENT CONFIRMATION FORM AND PRESENT IT TO US ON THE DAY OF YOUR APPOINTMENT .
YOU NEED THIS FORM ONLY IF YOU CHOOSE THE INTERNET
AS YOUR WAY TO REVIEW THE STATE INFORMATION.
PLEASE NOTE THAT 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 IS VALID ON THE DATE OF YOUR APPOINTMENT. Sample form
Below is a sample of the INFORMED CONSENT CONFIRMATION FORM that must be printed out from the State website. This is not the actual form. It is only a sample. Please print out the form from the State website that looks like this Sample Form and bring it with you to your appointment.
Click on this link: Sample Form
Again, the State website can be reached by clicking on the following link: State of Michigan 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
While you're here on the Northland website, take a look around. You will find helpful information, answers to many of your questions and see the Northland Difference: Quality medical care plus compassionate caring for your heart and your body.
Here, we work from our hearts and our hearts are open to yours!
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Sometimes it is easier to have the printed instructions in front of you as you go through the State website. To print this page, select "Print" from the File menu of your browser toolbar.
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Last page update: 9/07 |
