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Women's Reproductive Rights in Michigan

Abortion access, contraception access, reproductive health and employment, privacy and confidentiality, and minor rights in Michigan are discussed below.

Abortion Access

  • In Michigan, there is no limit on abortion based on how far along in pregnancy you are. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must give you permission to get an abortion. If getting permission is not an option for you, you can seek judicial bypass. If you are a minor who needs assistance through the judicial bypass process you can call 844-868-2812 or submit a request online at https://www.reprolegalhelpline.org/contact-the-helpline/.

Contraception Access

  • House Bill (HB) 5436 gives Michigan pharmacists the ability to write prescriptions for hormonal contraceptives such as birth control pills, emergency contraceptive pills, patches, and vaginal rings (instead of having to make an appointment with a doctor). The Contraception Equity Act also requires insurers to cover these pharmacist-approved medications.

  • In Michigan, the morning-after pill is legally accessible to be obtained over the counter at pharmacies such as CVS or Walgreens.

Reproductive Health and Employment

  • Parental Leave & Family Rights: In Michigan, maternity leave is not standardized under state law. While there is no state law mandating paid parental leave for all employers, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child. Additional information can be found here: https://www.michigan.gov/mdcs/disability-gateway/dmo-home/loa/expanding-family.

Privacy & Confidentiality

HIPAA is a federal law that ensures the privacy of patients' health information.​

  • Medical providers are required to keep your health information confidential, which includes:

    • Your reproductive health.

    • Treatments.

    • Medications.

  • This information cannot be shared without your consent, except under certain legal exceptions (such as mandatory reporting or emergency situations).

  • You have the right to access and request your medical records and know with whom your health information has been shared.

Minors' Rights

Minors have the right to the following without parental consent/knowledge:

ADVICE ON HOW TO SPOT MISINFORMATION

  • Ensure your sources are reliable! Unreliable sources can look like:

    • Unverified social media accounts.

    • Influencers.

    • Websites with political agendas, especially those lacking scientific knowledge.

    • Testimonials/emotional appeals.

  • Trustworthy sources provide well-rounded perspectives backed by science.

 
Tips:

  • Investigate your source.

    • Studies that have been published in peer-reviewed journals is one easy way to tell if the information is credible.

  • Always cross check the information gathered.

  • Use a fact check search engine.

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