Michigan Judge Blocks Abortion Waiting Period and Other Regulations

Michigan Court of Claims Judge Sima Patel has issued a preliminary injunction blocking several state abortion regulations, including the 24-hour waiting period, informed consent requirements, and a ban on advanced practice clinicians providing abortion care. Patel ruled that these regulations infringe upon the reproductive freedoms enshrined in the state's constitution by Proposal 3, which was approved by voters in 2022. The injunction was granted in response to a lawsuit filed by Northland Family Planning Centers and Medical Students for Choice, arguing the regulations imposed unnecessary delays and barriers to abortion access. Democratic Attorney General Dana Nessel and Governor Gretchen Whitmer praised the decision, with Whitmer stating the 24-hour waiting period had no basis in science and served as a political roadblock. The case remains open, and an appeal is possible.