Your Guide to Getting an Abortion in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

Abortion is legal and protected in Michigan

If you’re 18 or older, you have the right to get an abortion for any reason. You don’t need permission, and you don’t have to explain your decision to anyone. Michigan law protects your right to choose abortion, whether you use pills or have an in-clinic procedure. Abortion is your legal right, no matter where you live within the state.

However, Barriers to care still exist. Even though abortion is legal in Michigan, many people, especially in the Upper Peninsula, still face serious barriers to getting care. Distance, cost, limited clinic options, stigma, and misinformation can all make it harder to access abortion when you need it.

This guide was developed to help folks living in the U.P. understand their options.

State Laws

Age Restrictions: How to get an abortion if you’re under 18

In Michigan, if you’re under 18, you need permission from a parent or legal guardian to get an abortion. But if you can’t or don’t want to involve a parent, you have the right to ask a judge for permission through a process called judicial bypass. 

If you’re under 18 and need help getting a judicial bypass or have questions about the process, contact the Repro Legal Helpline at reprolegalhelpline.org/contact-the-helpline or leave a voicemail on their confidential line at (844) 868-2812.

Gestational Limits: How far along can you be?

How far along your pregnancy is affects both where you can go and what kind of abortion you can get. With limited access to clinics in the U.P., this can make access harder, especially later in pregnancy. It’s a good idea to reach out early to learn your options.

  • Abortion is legal in Michigan up to about 24 weeks, but most clinics stop much earlier.

  • Abortion pills are usually offered up to 11–12 weeks.

  • In-clinic procedures may be offered up to 16, 20, or 24 weeks, depending on the clinic.

> Need to figure out how far along your pregnancy is? Use the date of your last menstrual period to calculate using this tool: americanpregnancy.org/resources/pregnancy-calculator.

Did you know?
You can get abortion pills in advance

Some online providers let you order abortion pills ahead of time, so you have them on hand in case of a future pregnancy.

> Visit plancpills.org/in-advance for current options.

Most packages cost around $150. If that feels out of reach, consider pooling funds with a few friends to keep a dose on hand. That way, if someone misses a period, the medication can be taken right away.

Your Options when Choosing an Abortion

Procedural Abortions

Sometimes also referred to as surgical or clinical abortions

  • A procedural abortion is a medical procedure that ends a pregnancy by removing the contents of the uterus. 

  • It’s usually done by a healthcare provider in a clinic or hospital using methods like vacuum aspiration or dilation and curettage (D&C), depending on how far along the pregnancy is. Each clinic sets its own limits on how far into a pregnancy they will perform an abortion, in accordance with state laws.

  • The cost for a procedural abortion starts around $600 and increases as a pregnancy advances. Abortion later in pregnancy is more expensive.

Medication Abortion

Sometimes referred to as the “abortion pill”

  • A medication abortion involves taking either two medications or one, depending on what’s available at the time.

    • The two-medication method uses mifepristone, which blocks the hormone necessary for pregnancy to continue, followed by misoprostol, which causes the uterus to contract and expel its contents.

    • Alternatively, misoprostol alone can be used to cause the uterus to empty. Both methods are widely recognized as safe and effective ways to end a pregnancy.

  • In the U.S., medication abortion is approved for up to 10–12 weeks, but around the world, it’s commonly and safely used after 12 weeks with a different dosage, a longer process, and support from a trained abortion provider or support person.

Abortion Pill Providers

There are several ways to get abortion pills, depending on what works best for you:

From an Abortion Clinic

  • Visit an abortion clinic in person; you may have an exam or ultrasound before getting the pills

  • Pills are taken at home, and the abortion happens at home (in some cases, you take the first pill at the clinic and the rest at home)

  • Typically costs between $400–$700

Whether you get the pills from a clinic or online, they’re the same medication, and in both cases, you take them at home and the abortion happens at home. Some people go through the process on their own, while others choose support from a friend, an abortion doula, or a trained companion.

For support during an abortion at home, see the resource section at the end of this guide.

Using the Internet

Telehealth Providers

  • Licensed services where you either meet with a doctor online or fill out an intake form with your information

  • Pills are mailed to you

  • Provider gives instructions and may offer follow-up support

  • Typically costs between $150–$250 (some offer sliding scale pricing)

Online Pill Retailers

  • Websites based outside the U.S. that mail abortion pills directly to you

  • Usually no consultation or medical support included

  • Choose a trusted source, such as those listed at PlanCPills.org

  • Typically costs about $50

Community Networks

  • Grassroots groups that provide abortion pills for free or at very low cost

  • Most community networks operate outside formal medical systems and provide abortion pills without a licensed clinic or telehealth provider, which is not legally recognized anywhere in the U.S. and can carry legal risks. This does not mean the medication is unsafe, only that the way it’s provided is not legally recognized.

  • May offer personal support or abortion accompaniment.

It’s the same medication, so why such a big difference in cost? The price isn’t about the pills themselves, but about the system you’re getting them through.

Clinics and telehealth providers have additional costs for staff time, medical care, and overhead. Clinic-based care may also include services like ultrasounds, lab work, or follow-up visits, which some people find helpful.

Online retailers and community networks often skip those costs, which is why their prices are much lower. Some people want or need more medical support. Others don’t. All options can be safe. What matters most is choosing what fits your needs, budget, and level of support.

Getting an Abortion in the U.P.

Where to Find Abortion Pills by mail

PlanCPills.org is a trusted website that explains how to get safe and reliable abortion pills online. Go to the site and select “Michigan” to see a list of vetted providers, including online clinics and mail-order services. Each listing shows the cost, how long shipping takes, and what kind of support is offered, so you can choose the option that works best for you.

Where to Get an Abortion at a Clinic

There is only one abortion clinic in the Upper Peninsula. The following section lists the clinics nearest to the U.P. region. Keep in mind that each state has its own laws about who can get an abortion and when, and every clinic offers different services. 

The clinics below are listed in approximate order from closest to farthest and are all within about a five-hour drive from most places in the region. For more options beyond that distance, visit INeedAnA.com for a full list of clinics.

Marquette Medical Urgent Care

1025 W Washington St A, Marquette, MI 49855
(906) 239-5050 | mqtmed.com/reproductive-health
Distance one-way: 2 min. drive from Marquette | 1.5 hr. drive from Escanaba

Services:

    • Available for up to 12 weeks of pregnancy.

    • Pills must be picked up in person. 

    • Cost: $450 (sliding scale based on income)

  • Not offered

    • Ultrasound exams

    • 24/7 program for medical care and evidence collection for survivors of sexual assault

  • Parental Consent: Required for anyone under 18. If you’re under 18, you can get a judge’s approval without a parent’s consent through a process called judicial bypass (see the resource section of this guide for more info).

Planned Parenthood – Sheboygan Health Center

909 South Taylor Dr., Sheboygan, WI 53081
(844) 493-1052 | plannedparenthood.org
Distance one-way: 4 hr. drive from Marquette | 3 hr. drive from Escanaba

Services:

    • Available up to 12 weeks

    • Pills must be picked up in person

    • Cost: $675

  • Not offered

  • Ultrasound exams for abortion appointments, birth control, STI testing, miscarriage management

  • Plan for Multiple Days! State-Mandated Counseling and Waiting Period: An in-person counseling visit (including ultrasound) is required at least 24 hours before an abortion, and the same doctor must provide both visits. Because providers’ schedules, clinic hours, and weekend closures vary, a next-day appointment is not always possible. If you are traveling, plan for the possibility of a multi-day stay.

    Parental Consent: Required for anyone under 18. If you’re under 18, you can get a judge’s approval without a parent’s consent through a process called judicial bypass (see the resource section of this guide for more info).

Planned Parenthood – Walker Center

1135 E. Eighth St., Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 929-1844 | plannedparenthood.org
Distance one-way: 5 hr. drive from Marquette |  4.5 hr. drive from Escanaba 

Services:

    • Available up to 11 weeks and 6 days 

    • Pills must be picked up in person. 

    • Cost: $500 (sliding scale available)

    • Up to 17 weeks and 6 days

    • Cost: $625+ (sliding scale available)

    • Ultrasound exams

    • Help arranging free transportation, lodging, and other logistical support

  • Parental Consent: Required for anyone under 18. If you’re under 18, you can get a judge’s approval without a parent’s consent through a process called judicial bypass (see the resource section of this guide for more info).

Planned Parenthood – Milwaukee, Water Street Health Center

435 S. Water Street, Milwaukee, WI 53204
(844) 493-1052 | plannedparenthood.org
Distance one-way: 5 hr. drive from Marquette |  4 hr. drive from Escanaba 

Services:

    • Available up to 12 weeks

    • Pills must be picked up in person

    • Cost: $675

    • Up to 21 weeks and 6 days

    • Cost: $770-$1,750 depending on gestational age 

  • Ultrasound exams for abortion appointments, birth control, STI testing, miscarriage management

  • Plan for Multiple Days! State-Mandated Counseling and Waiting Period: An in-person counseling visit (including ultrasound) is required at least 24 hours before an abortion, and the same doctor must provide both visits. Because providers’ schedules, clinic hours, and weekend closures vary, a next-day appointment is not always possible. If you are traveling, plan for the possibility of a multi-day stay.

    Parental Consent: Required for anyone under 18. If you’re under 18, you can get a judge’s approval without a parent’s consent through a process called judicial bypass (see the resource section of this guide for more info).

Care for All

756 N 35th St Suite 204, Milwaukee, WI 53208
(262) 272-0246 | careforallwi.org 
Distance one-way: 5 hr. drive from Marquette | 4 hr. drive from Escanaba

Services:

    • Available up to 12 weeks

    • Pills must be picked up in person

    • Cost: $675

    • Up to 21 weeks and 6 days

    • Cost: $770-$1,750 depending on gestational age 

  • Ultrasound exams for abortion appointments, birth control, STI testing, miscarriage management

  • Plan for Multiple Days! State-Mandated Counseling and Waiting Period: An in-person counseling visit (including ultrasound) is required at least 24 hours before an abortion, and the same doctor must provide both visits. Because providers’ schedules, clinic hours, and weekend closures vary, a next-day appointment is not always possible. If you are traveling, plan for the possibility of a multi-day stay.

    Parental Consent: Required for anyone under 18. If you’re under 18, you can get a judge’s approval without a parent’s consent through a process called judicial bypass (see the resource section of this guide for more info).

WE Health Clinic

32 E First Street, Suite 300, Duluth, MN 55802
(218) 727-3352 |  wehealthclinic.org
Distance one-way: 4.5 hr. drive from Marquette | 5 hr. drive from Escanaba

Services:

    • Available up to 14.0 weeks

    • Pills must be picked up in person

    • Cost: $750

    • Up to 17.0 weeks

    • Cost: $750-$1,303 depending on gestational age

    • Ultrasound exams 

    • Has a dedicated fund called H.O.T.D.I.S.H. Militia that may be able to fund a portion of appointment cost. Also works with other assistance funds. Ask about funding support when making an appointment.

  • None

Planned Parenthood – Madison East Health Center

3706 Orin Road, Madison, WI 53704
(844) 493-1052 | plannedparenthood.org
Distance one-way: 5 hr. drive from Marquette | 4 hr. drive from Escanaba

Services:

    • Available up to 12 weeks

    • Pills must be picked up in person

    • Cost: $675

    • Up to 21 weeks and 6 days

    • Cost: $770-$1,750 depending on gestational age 

  • Ultrasound exams for abortion appointments, birth control, STI testing, miscarriage management

  • Plan for Multiple Days! State-Mandated Counseling and Waiting Period: An in-person counseling visit (including ultrasound) is required at least 24 hours before an abortion, and the same doctor must provide both visits. Because providers’ schedules, clinic hours, and weekend closures vary, a next-day appointment is not always possible. If you are traveling, plan for the possibility of a multi-day stay.

    Parental Consent: Required for anyone under 18. If you’re under 18, you can get a judge’s approval without a parent’s consent through a process called judicial bypass (see the resource section of this guide for more info).

Women’s Health Center of Saginaw

3141 S. Cabaret Trail Suite #100, Saginaw, MI 48603
they also operate a second clinic in Flint
(989) 790-1040 | whcofmi.com
Distance one-way: 5.5 hr. drive from Marquette |  5 hr. drive from Escanaba

Services:

    • Available up to 10 weeks and 6 days

    • Pills must be picked up in person

    • Cost: $600 (funding may be available)

    • Available up to 17.0 weeks

    • Cost: $600-$1,800 depending on gestational age

  • Ultrasound exams for abortion seekers.

  • Parental Consent: Required for anyone under 18. If you’re under 18, you can get a judge’s approval without a parent’s consent through a process called judicial bypass (see the resource section of this guide for more info).