LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – In the ongoing national conversation surrounding abortion rights, a recent statewide poll conducted in Michigan has unveiled compelling insights into the attitudes of voters regarding key regulations surrounding abortion.

Released by the Marketing Resource Group (MRG) on April 24, the survey delves into public opinion on crucial aspects such as parental consent, waiting periods, and the use of taxpayer funds for abortion services. The survey was conducted statewide with 600 registered voters who were contacted April 8-11.

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The findings paint a clear picture: an overwhelming majority of Michigan voters support the retention of abortion safeguards, emphasizing the importance of protecting the well-being of women, minors, parents, and taxpayers.

Jenell Leonard, owner of MRG, LLC says about the survey, “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. The protection of the patient, minors, and taxpayers are still important considerations across the state and beyond political spectrums.”

Michigan voters overwhelmingly support parental consent for minors seeking abortions.

One of the fundamental regulations queried in the poll was parental consent for minors seeking abortion services. Notably, 68% of respondents expressed support for this requirement, which mandates that minor-aged individuals must obtain parental consent before proceeding with an abortion.

This level of support transcends geographical boundaries, demographic groups, and political affiliations, highlighting its broad acceptance across Michigan.

Michigan electorate also supports a 24-hour waiting period.

Similarly, the survey found robust support for another safeguard, with 66% of voters endorsing the retention of the 24-hour waiting period. This period allows individuals considering abortion to receive comprehensive information about the procedure and its potential risks before making a final decision.

Michigan constituents oppose taxpayer funding of abortion.

In another significant revelation, the poll revealed that 61% of Michigan voters oppose the use of taxpayer dollars to fund abortion services. This sentiment, shared across various demographics and geographical regions, reflects a strong stance on fiscal responsibility and highlight the divergent views on the allocation of public funds for abortion-related expenses.

More changes to Michigan’s abortion laws appears to be in the cards for Democrats.

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Currently, with a trifecta of a Democratic controlled House, Senate and governor’s office, many in party are still looking at moving ahead with more pro-abortion legislation including the hotly debated topic of parental consent.

Minors currently need parent or legal guardian permission to obtain abortion.

According to current legal statutes, individuals in Michigan below the age of 18 are required to secure consent from a parent or legal guardian prior to obtaining an abortion. Should they be unable or opt not to do so, minors have the option to navigate the legal process and petition a court to exempt them from this requirement also referred to as “judicial bypass.”

Each year, according to the report, 700 underage girls (mostly ages 16 and 17) must get a parent’s consent or a judge’s order to obtain an abortion in Michigan.

Report argues against parental consent requirement.

Opponents of this requirement want this law repealed, saying it hurts young people. They wrote about it in a 37-page report that was produced by a collaboration between the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan (ACLU of Michigan), Human Rights Watch, and the Michigan Organization on Adolescent Sexual Health (MOASH).

The report’s findings are based on in-depth interviews, analysis of data from the state, and a review of secondary sources conducted between March and August 2023.

Their report included findings that young people are “belittled, humiliated or punished by their parents” when they find out their children are pregnant; judicial bypass is “invasive, distressing, traumatizing and often arbitrary,” forced parental consent delays abortion care and “young people are capable of making healthcare decisions.”

Their recommendation is to repeal the Parental Rights Restoration Act 211 of 1990 as a “matter of urgency and ensure that young people under 18 can access abortion care without being forced to involve a parent or legal guardian, or a judge, in their decision-making.”

Right to Life pushes back.

However, Right to Life of Michigan Legislative Director Genevieve Marnon has pushed back against the report saying, “The organizations who published this advocacy piece and their political allies believe they know what is best for children, not parents. They are actively seeking to remove parents from one of the most important decisions a minor girl could face, one that everyone acknowledges will have a lifelong impact regardless of the decision.”

As the national conversation surrounding abortion progresses, the findings from the MRG- commissioned survey underscore the varied viewpoints influencing public sentiment on this issue. While the electorate in the state has communicated a message to the Democratic party regarding their stance on abortion, it’s imperative for the party to also acknowledge the array of other perspectives that must be considered as the party advances its legislative priorities.