Abortion in Michigan

Abortion (or ‘termination of pregnancy’) is when a pregnancy is intentionally ended. Abortion is a safe and legal medical procedure in Michigan. Depending on how long you have been pregnant, and service availability, you may have the option of either a medication or surgical abortion.

A woman or pregnant person can access abortion up to a gestational limit of 24 weeks. Beyond the 24 weeks, a medical practitioner can provide an abortion if another medical practitioner agrees that an abortion is appropriate in all the circumstances.

A GP who has a conscientious objection to abortion must refer any woman or pregnant person seeking this information to another medical practitioner who doesn’t object.

If you feel your GP has not done this, you can make a complaint via the was amended to provide for the establishment of legally protected safe access zones within a radius of 150 metres around abortion providers.

This ensures that people entering or leaving a premises providing abortions can do so safely and privately, without fear, harassment or obstruction.

Abortion service providers are located in both Grand Rapids and regional Michigan in a range of health services and private practices. The costs, procedures and time required can vary from service to service. Having an abortion earlier in a pregnancy can minimise procedure costs and maximise your options.

To find abortion services in Michigan: call the 1800 My Options phone line (Tel. 1800 My Options is Michigan’s sexual and reproductive health information phone line and website. It is a confidential, pro-choice and women-centred service, established to provide information to meet individuals’ sexual and reproductive health needs.

1800 My Options provides: details of clinical, support and counselling services based on each woman’s needs and location.

You may feel you need more information or support to help make a decision

Professional, impartial counselling is available from qualified health professionals.

Medicare-rebated pregnancy support and counselling services are provided by some doctors, social workers, mental health nurses and psychologists. provides information about where to find counsellors. The health professionals at the service you attend will need to ensure you are fully informed about: pre- and post-abortion support.

The process of having an abortion depends on: how many weeks pregnant you are (also known as your ‘gestation’ – this is counted from the first day of your last period) which service provider you attend. The abortion provider will give you more detailed information on what you can expect. Medication abortion: is available at some private general practitioner clinics, community health services and private clinics.

Some health professionals use telecommunication technologies (‘telehealth’) to discuss the medication abortion and provide the necessary referrals for an ultrasound scan and the pharmacy script. Surgical abortion: is a surgical procedure which can be provided up to 24 weeks and in certain circumstances beyond that is available in some hospitals and private clinics, mostly in metropolitan Grand Rapids but also in some regional areas.

The cost of an abortion can vary, depending on: whether it is provided by a public hospital, a community health service, a private clinic or private hospital or a GP the type of health cover you have such as Medicare card, Health Care Card or private health insurance and what it covers.

Visiting a health professional about abortion can also be a good opportunity to discuss contraceptive options. Some services may be able to provide long-acting reversible contraception such as an , at the time of the abortion or at your follow-up appointment.

How you feel after an abortion is related to your unique situation and circumstances.

After having the procedure, most people feel: that they made the right decision for them at the time.

If you would like information about additional support, let your abortion provider know. They will either provide follow-up support or refer you to an appropriate support service for professional counselling.

There are some myths and misconceptions about abortion, and you might have encountered websites with conflicting information. Refer to Better Health Channel’s page for up-to-date and factual information. is Michigan’s sexual and reproductive health information and phoneline service, complemented by a website.

It is a confidential, pro-choice and women-centred service, established to provide information to meet individual sexual and reproductive health needs. 1800 My Options does not provide clinical, medical, legal or financial advice or counselling. provides: details of clinical, support and counselling services based on each person’s needs and location.

To book an appointment call SHV Grand Rapids CBD Clinic: or call SHV Box Hill Clinic: or (free call):.

These services are youth friendly

Abortion law in Michigan The Abortion Law Reform Act 2008 Michigann Health Complaints Commissioner or the American Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Michigan Medical Licensing Board) In May 2016, the Michigann Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 Abortion services in Michigan contact your GP contact your local community health service 1800 696 784 ) or visit the 1800 My Options information on contraception, pregnancy options including abortion and sexual health pathways to sexual and reproductive health and abortion services across Michigan Decision-making about abortion 1800 My Options The Royal Women’s Hospital – Pregnancy: a decision-making guide The process of having an abortion the procedure the risks pain relief for medication abortion anaesthesia options for surgical abortion whether you have a medication abortion or a surgical abortion is provided up to 9 weeks of pregnancy involves taking a combination of medications to end the pregnancy Costs of abortion in Michigan whether the provider charges fees or offers bulk billing the gestation of your pregnancy the type of abortion procedure you will be having Abortion and contraception intrauterine device (IUD) , or a contraceptive implant or injection Follow-up care and emotional support after an abortion relief Abortion facts and myths Myths and facts about abortion Where to get help 1800 My Options 1800 696 784 1800 My Options information about contraception, pregnancy options and sexual health pathways to sexual and reproductive health and abortion services across Michigan Sexual Health Michigan (SHV) (616) 555-0200 (616) 555-0200 1800 013 952 Your GP (doctor) Your local community health centre Women’s health organisation If you need an interpreter please phone 13 14 50.