A Guide to Abortion Laws in Michigan

The news around Michigan’s abortion laws, and abortion laws across the United States, is evolving daily. If you have any questions about the latest abortion law information, please do not hesitate to call Adoptions With Love.

Michigan abortion laws have been a hot topic. State lawmakers and voters have been debating reproductive rights since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June of 2022. If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and living in Michigan, you may be considering termination. After following recent news coverage, you may wonder whether abortion laws in Michigan have changed your rights.

An unplanned pregnancy is never easy. You may be feeling overwhelmed, but you should know that there are resources to help. You still have options. You can still find the support you need.

In this short guide to Michigan abortion laws, we will share the information you need. We will break down the law as it stands right now, as well as the choices you have in Michigan. Read on to learn more.

The Current Abortion Laws in Michigan

Abortion is legal in Michigan. In November of 2022, voters passed Proposal 3 – a law that enshrined the right to abortion in the Michigan constitution. As of this writing, abortion is still a constitutional right for Michigan residents.

According to the current Michigan abortion laws, termination is banned at fetal viability, generally 24-26 weeks of pregnancy.

Patients looking to obtain an abortion must wait 24 hours after counseling before having the procedure or taking medication. This counseling does not have to be in person. It could be a telehealth call.

With the exceptions of very limited circumstances, neither state Medicaid nor private health insurance may be used for an abortion in Michigan.

In November of 2023, Michigan lawmakers passed a series of bills repealing certain abortion restriction, which Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed to approve. This package of bills – dubbed the Reproductive Health Act – works to increase abortion access that would have otherwise remained inaccessible in certain parts of the state.

Your Pregnancy Options in Michigan

Anyone facing an unplanned pregnancy in Michigan should know all pregnancy options before making any decisions. If you are in this situation, you can choose between the following:

• Abortion (until fetal viability)
• Adoption
• Parenthood

Adoptions With Love believes that all expectant parents should have the right to choose what is best for them. Abortion may be something you are considering for a variety of reasons. It is your choice, and only you can make this decision. There are resources to help, such as Planned Parenthood of Michigan. It is important to learn about the risks and side-effects associated with abortion before choosing to have the procedure. A doctor or trained health professional must be the one to administer the pregnancy termination.

If you do not wish to – or cannot – have an abortion, continue reading. We will break down the other two options you may consider.

Parenthood

It is common for expectant mothers to consider parenthood – even when facing an unplanned pregnancy. Parenthood is  a rewarding experience, but it is also a serious commitment. Before making your decision, consider how raising a child will change your life. Ask yourself critical questions, such as: How will I support my growing family? Who will I lean on for assistance? Can I offer my child a safe and stable home?

These are just a few key factors to consider before choosing parenthood.

Adoption

Adoption is not an alternative to abortion, but it can be a positive choice for anyone not yet ready to parent. This is not the right path for everyone, but it is one that offers many benefits. Making an adoption plan for your child means placing their needs before you own. It is a selfless, loving way to give your child a life that you may not be able to provide now.

Making an adoption plan in Michigan means giving your child a life full of love and opportunity, while having the freedom to pursue your own personal and professional dreams. Thanks to open adoption, you do not have to say, “goodbye forever.” You can choose to have an open adoption, or semi-open adoption, if you wish, and maintain an ongoing relationship with your child’s adoptive family for years to come. With an open adoption, your child will grow up knowing they are loved by two families instead of one.

If you are considering adoption in Michigan, you can rest assured that there are resources available to help you. A Michigan adoption agency offers birth parents supportive services, free of charge.

At Adoptions With Love, you can use the following services:

• Housing assistance. We can cover a deposit and several months of rent.
• Other living expenses, such as utilities, phone bills, transportation, and maternity clothes, as needed.
• Medical care. We can cover any uninsured medical bills that relate to the pregnancy and birth.
• Legal assistance. Our trained adoption attorneys are experienced in adoption in Indiana and ensure that your adoption goes through safely and legally. They will also take the time to answer your questions and make sure your rights as understood every step of the way.
• Compassionate counseling, before and after the adoption is finalized.
• Ongoing support. We can work with you as you navigate your open or semi-open adoption for the many years following the adoption. If you choose a closed adoption, we keep photos and letters on file, should you decide to open the adoption later.

Learn More About Adoption

The best adoption agencies in Michigan will walk you through the adoption process and offer support every step of the way. You will not have to face this unplanned pregnancy alone. There are resources to help. A Michigan adoption agency, such as Adoptions With Love, can offer you an adoption team with lawyers that are experienced in adoption laws in Michigan and can keep you informed of your rights. You can choose whichever path works best for your life, and you can get the support you need for any choice you make.

If you would like to learn more about adoption in Michigan, contact Adoptions With Love today. We can listen to you and answer any questions you may have, free of obligation or commitment. Call us any time of day, any day of the week at 800-722-7731, text us confidentially at 617-777-0072, or contact us online.