Parental Consent and 24-hour Waiting Period Before an Abortion Receive Strong Support from Michigan Voters

LANSING, Mich. – An overwhelming majority of Michigan voters support retaining provisions of Michigan law related to abortion which, while maintaining access to abortion, safeguard the health and safety of women, minors, parents and taxpayers. These provisions include parental consent for minors and a 24-hour waiting period to allow for informed consent before having an abortion procedure, according to the MRG, LLC-commissioned Spring 2024 Michigan Poll®. The statewide survey of 600 registered voters was conducted April 8-11.

“Even with a woman’s right to choose being codified in the Michigan Constitution via Proposal 3, a vast majority of voters – including those who consider themselves to be pro-choice – still support certain regulations surrounding the procedure,” said Jenell Leonard, owner of MRG, LLC. “The protection of the patient, minors, and taxpayers are still important considerations across the state and beyond political spectrums.”

68% of all voters support parental consent

Sixty-eight percent of all voters support the current requirement that minor-age children must have the consent of a parent before having an abortion, while only 22% oppose the regulation. This protection is supported in every geographical area of the state (including 79% of Detroit voters), among all demographic groups tested including women, pro-choice, and pro-life supporters, and across the political spectrum of Republicans, Democrats, and Independent voters.

66% of all voters support the 24-hour waiting period and informed consent

Poll results also show 66% of voters support maintaining the 24-hour waiting period so women can receive proper information regarding the procedure. Only 24% oppose the regulation. The 24-hour waiting period is also favored in every geographical area of the state and amongst all demographic groups tested.

61% of all voters oppose their taxpayer dollars paying for abortions

By a 61%-31% margin, voters don’t want their tax dollars paying for abortion. The support is shared across all geographical areas, except Oakland County where 51% support taxpayer funded abortions; 42% oppose. The highest opposition to taxpayer-funded abortion is found in Macomb County where 74% oppose using taxpayer dollars. Pro-choice voters are split on the issue and Republicans and Independents strongly oppose.

The Questions and Results

Click below to download the full press release and view results.