Michigan abortion laws are similar to those in neighboring Wisconsin, Ohio, and Indiana, but stricter than the abortion regulations in Minnesota and Illinois.
Women who want an abortion are required to undergo state-directed counseling in Michigan. The counseling is usually focused on discouraging someone from having an abortion, and the woman must then wait 24 hours before having the procedure,
according to the Guttmacher Institute.
According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, women preparing for an abortion are given information on the procedure at least 24 hours before the operation. The information includes a summary of the procedure, prenatal care information and information on parenting.
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Health insurance plans normally cover abortions only in cases of life endangerment. However, women can include abortion in their policies with special add-ons at an additional cost. Women may also get optional riders at additional cost to cover abortion for health plans under the Affordable Care Act.
Minors need the consent of a parent or guardian before having an abortion, except in the case of a medical emergency,
according to FindLaw. Exceptions are made if a court deems the minor to be mature and well-informed or if the decision is in the best interest of the minor.
Michigan has a judicial bypass procedure for abortion for minors under age 18. A judge will decide if the person is mature enough to make decisions on the pregnancy.
Indiana, Wisconsin and Ohio have similar abortion laws to Michigan concerning counseling before an abortion and regulations under health care plans. In Indiana, a woman must wait 18 hours, rather than 24, before the procedure is provided.
Public funding is only available in cases of life endangerment, rape, or incest for all four states.
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Minnesota and Illinois don’t have as many restrictions as Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Ohio, according to Guttmacher. Minnesota requires counseling at least 24 hours before the abortion is performed. In Illinois, abortion is covered in health plans for public employees in cases of life endangerment, but optional riders are available at additional costs. Both states require notification of a parent in case of a minor.
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