NEWS RELEASE
June 14, 1999

Engler Announces Informed Consent for Abortion to be Implemented

Governor John Engler today announced that Michigan’s Informed Consent for Abortion legislation, passed by the Legislature and signed into law in July of 1993, will finally be implemented because the six-year old lawsuit attempting to overturn this legislation and preventing its enforcement has been settled.

"After six long years, I am pleased to announce that now women will receive important information regarding abortion procedures and fetal development at least 24 hours before any abortion procedure is performed," said Engler. "This settlement achieves the intent of the law, which was to enable a woman to make a fully informed decision prior to initiating this serious procedure."

The Michigan Department of Community Health has developed and is making readily available the statutorily required written materials about abortion procedures, development of the human fetus, prenatal care and parenting.

"It is a shame that this legislation, which provides factual information to women, has been tied up in unnecessary litigation for six long years," said Department of Community Health Director, James K. Haveman, Jr. "We are pleased this case has been settled and we will ensure that health providers have copies of the Informed Consent materials for their patients."

Under the settlement agreement, the patient must have received the mandated written materials by any available method of delivery at least 24 hours before the abortion is performed.