Health & Education Resources
Sexual Health Resources
Plan B (Emergency Contraception) is now available in Women*s Student Services (W*SS) and in the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center (GSCC) during regular business hours.
- GSCC (302 SSB), Mon-Fri, 10a-5p, no ID needed
- W*SS (14 SSB), Mon-Thurs, 10a-5p, Fri 10a-2pm, no ID needed
W*SS and GSCC are not medical providers and cannot give medical advice, if you have questions, MSU has a 24-hour nurse hotline that can be reached at (517) 353-5557.
Additionally, staff in the W*SS are mandated reporters. If you want to talk with a confidential sources, please visit the Center for Survivors in room 207 in the Student Services Building. They also have EC.
Need EC after hours? Complete this form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please click the question to open the drop-down menu and see the answer.
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Do all health centers offer the same abortion services?
When it comes to finding the appropriate abortion care, it is important to know not every health center offers the same abortion options. Some health centers offer the abortion pill (up to 11 weeks after the first day of your last menstrual period), while others offer the pill and in-clinic abortion operations (up to 14 weeks-16 weeks after the last period).
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A list of health centers near campus and include which services they offer.
Planned Parenthood - 300 N. Clippert, Ste. 6, Lansing, MI 48912
- Offers Abortion, Birth Control, STD and STI testing, Emergency Contraception, pregnancy testing, and women’s healthcare
- If the patient does not have insurance or Medicaid: the patient may qualify for state-funded programs or a lowered fee.
- Appointments required, no walk-ins welcome https://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-center/michigan/lansing/48912/lansing-health-center-2785-90630
- 517-267-1800
- Offers complete gynecology services, abortion services, morning after pill, morning after pill, abortion pill, birth control, ultrasounds, and counseling. https://womancarelansing.com/contact.htm
- 810-238-3631
- Although this health center is not located in Lansing, Flint Health Center offers both the abortion pill and surgical abortions. Flint Health Center also offers Emergency Contraception, HIV Services, Birth Control, Pregnancy Testing, STD services, Transgender Hormone Therapy, and more. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-center/michigan/flint/48532/flint-health-center-3298-90630
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What is the difference between the abortion procedure, the pill, and emergency contraception?
An abortion is considered a medical procedure to end a pregnancy. A procedural abortion removes the pregnancy from the uterus. It is also called a “surgical abortion.” A medication abortion uses medicine to end the pregnancy and is sometimes referred to as a “medical abortion.” https://medlineplus.gov/abortion.html
“The pill” is considered one form of birth control However, this medication does not end pregnancies. Birth control is used to prevent pregnancy. The birth control pill is a type of contraception that contains hormones that prevent pregnancy. The pill is most effective when taken consistently each day. The pill is 99% effective when taken without fail. The pill works by stopping or reducing ovulation, thickening the cervical mucus to keep sperm from entering the uterus, and/or thinning the lining of the uterus so a fertilized egg is less likely to attach. Other forms of birth control include skin patched, intrauterine devices, nuvaring, shot injections and vaginal gels. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/birth-control/in-depth/birth-control-options/art-20045571https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/3977-birth-control-the-pill
Emergency contraception is a method of contraception that can be used to prevent pregnancy after sexual intercourse. Emergency contraception can also prevent up to 95% of pregnancies when taken within 5 days after intercourse. Emergency contraception works by preventing or delaying ovulation and it does not induce an abortion. It cannot interrupt an established pregnancy or harm a developing embryo. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/emergency-contraception
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Abortion fund websites that someone could reach out to for possible funding help.
This website provides a list of funders who provide financial assistance to get an abortion. https://www.abortionfinder.org/abortion-guides-by-state/abortion-in-michigan/funds-support-organizations
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Can you bring a person inside with you for support? Or will they have to wait outside?
It depends on the health center’s individual rules on allowing guests into their clinic. I would recommend doing research on the health clinic you are going to receive the abortion from to confirm if you can bring a support person. But it seems like the patient can bring at least one person with them when receiving the procedure. https://www.thewomens.org.au/health-information/unplanned-pregnancy-information/abortion-supporting-your-partner
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Can a student receive an abortion outside of their home state? Can it depend on insurance?
Yes, a student can receive an abortion outside of their home state.
Acceptance of insurance depends on the particular health center that treatment is received at. Some insurance policies only cover treatment through particular centers; and centers only accept specific insurance coverage.
Finding out if your insurance is accepted can be done through calling the health center or checking if it is listed on their website. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/abortion/it-still-legal-me-get-abortion -
If a student is underage (17) does this impact their ability to receive an abortion without their parents permission?
This varies from state to state, but in Michigan written consent must be gotten from at least 1 of the parent or legal guardian for a minor to receive an abortion.
Provides a state by state breakdown: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/teens/stds-birth-control-pregnancy/parental-consent-and-notification-laws
If the parent/legal guardian refuses or the minor does not want to tell them, the minor can petition the family division of circuit court to possibly have the requirement for parental consent waived. It is FREE of charge to receive and file paperwork.
- Within 72 hours of filing, a hearing will happen within the court to determine if the petition should be approved. This process may require the minor to testify in a closed courtroom. https://www.courts.michigan.gov/SCAO-forms/Abortion-Waiver/process-for-seeking-a-waiver-of-parental-consent-for-an-abortion/
Link to Forms: https://www.courts.michigan.gov/SCAO-forms/Abortion-Waiver/
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List nearby options on campus to receive emergency contraceptives.
-Women*s Student Services and the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center.
-MSU Health Promotion: https://healthpromotion.msu.edu/sexual-wellness/index.html
-Olin Clinic: https://olin.msu.edu/services/gynecology.html
-MSU Health Services website also has more information about various safer sex resources: https://olin.msu.edu/general/index.html
-Some Sparty's Convenience stores on campus sell emergency contraceptive pills.
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If someone receives an abortion, will it show up on their insurance for their parents to see?
This depends on if your insurance company offers confidentiality to dependents.
Michigan is a state where insurance companies send out Explanation of Benefits (EOB) which is a brief description of medical procedure that insurance covers.
If you choose not to go through insurance there are other options such as paying out-of-pocket or support through an abortion fund.
https://www.guttmacher.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/pubs/confidentiality-review.pdf
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Explain the difference between health centers and family planning centers that pose as places where people can receive abortions.
Crisis Pregnancy Centers pose as resources for women seeking abortion, but they are actually anti-abortion and pro-life activists that are looking to deter or shame women for getting an abortion. These centers do not provide abortions or credible healthcare information regarding reproductive health and/or abortions. Also most Crisis Pregnancy Centers do not follow HIPAA guidelines, therefore any information you provide them is not protected and will send your information to other pro-life and anti-abortion clinics to persecure your decision to receive an abortion.
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/blog/what-are-crisis-pregnancy-centers -
Counseling Services provided after abortion
For support and counseling services after abortion, find support from qualified counselors can help. MSU CAPS offers free and confidential group and individual counseling services. Group counseling comprises counseling, support, and educational groups that are available each semester. You can be supported and learn from others who are experiencing the same struggles as you are. Individual counseling sessions offer one-on-one counseling to address concerns such as depression, anxiety, stress management, and more.
https://caps.msu.edu/services/counseling_options.html
To access virtual support services, Evolve Pro Voice https://exhaleprovoice.org/ offers free, non judgemental after-abortion support. -
Will abortions affect future fertility?
Having an abortion, whether it is a medical or surgical abortion, will not affect your fertility or subsequent pregnancies. An elective medical abortion doesn't appear to increase the risk of future pregnancy complications, as long as it's done under the guidance of your health care team. The surgical procedure is typically done using suction or an instrument called a curet. While many studies have shown that surgical abortion has limited impact on future pregnancies, women who have multiple surgical abortions using a curet are at risk of scarring of the inner lining of the uterus (Asherman syndrome). This condition is associated with difficulty in becoming pregnant in the future. However a safe, uncomplicated, legal abortion does not affect a woman’s ability to have children in the future. So, unless there are significant complications, such as a damaged cervix, a woman’s fertility is not affected by abortion. But you should always speak with your healthcare provider for further information.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/expert-answers/abortion/faq-20058551
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Will the fetus be able to feel anything?
The age at which fetuses have developed pain receptors is still being studied by scientists, but the National Institute of Health has determined that the fetus cannot feel pain before the 26th week and recommended that the fetus be given an anesthetic for any abortion later than the 24th week.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10193468/ -
Are there pregnancy tests that can estimate how far along the person is since the last missed period?
Yes, there are pregnancy tests such as ClearBlue that have a week's indicator to tell someone how far along they are in their pregnancy. Pregnancy tests work by detecting human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), which is a hormone your body makes when you are pregnant. Pregnancy tests look for an elevated amount of HCG. Levels of HCG rise quickly – doubling every few days in the first weeks of pregnancy. The placenta produces HCG. Only pregnant people have a placenta, which develops shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to your uterine wall.
https://uk.clearblue.com/pregnancy-tests/digital-with-weeks-indicator
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9703-pregnancy-tests
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Possible signs of pregnancy:
Period and pregnancy symptoms can be similar but there are a few symptoms that are synonymous to pregnancy. With pregnancy, you may experience light vaginal bleeding and/or spotting. The color of the spotting can be light pink or brown. You can experience nausea and/or vomiting, a missed period, sore/tender breasts, weight change, fatigue, more frequent urination, and appetite changes just to name a few.
https://www.clearblue.com/how-to-get-pregnant/pms-vs-pregnancy-symptoms
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Will a patient be required to look at ultrasound images and/or hear the heartbeat?
In Michigan, a patient is not required to look at the ultrasound images and/or hear the heartbeat. However, the healthcare provider is required to offer the option to the patient to view the ultrasound, but you can refuse this service.
https://www.guttmacher.org/state-policy/explore/requirements-ultrasound -
Is there a mandatory waiting period between scheduling an appointment for an abortion and getting the procedure?
Michigan has a law that at least 24 hours before an abortion procedure, the patient must receive certain materials and paperwork related to abortion. The materials consist of information on prenatal, parenting, fetal development, summary of abortion procedure and preventing coercion to get an abortion. Then the patient must print and sign an informed consent confirmation form and bring it with them to the health center that they are receiving an abortion at. Whether the patient actually reads the materials is their decision but they must at least sign that they have received and skimmed these materials. Without this the abortion procedure cannot take place.
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What is the cost range for abortions?
The cost of abortion may range depending on how far along the pregnancy is, the type of abortion you need to receive, insurance, the state and/or health center you are receiving the abortion at, and any other financial assistance you may have. A medical abortion can cost up to $800, but many health clinics offer medical abortions for less. An in-clinical or surgical abortion can cost up to $800 for the first trimester, $715 in the beginning of the second semester, and between $1500-2000 in the later stages of the second trimester. Many health clinics offer financial assistance for abortions as well. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/ask-experts/how-much-does-an-abortion-cost
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Resources for having a conversation with parents about getting an abortion:
Talking about getting an abortion with your parents can be an overwhelming topic to discuss, therefore here are some resources for you to aid with the conservation surrounding abortion with your parents.
https://www.guttmacher.org/state-policy/explore/parental-involvement-minors-abortions