Minnesota Laws Affecting Abortion

State of Minnesota 24-Hour Waiting Period Information

Effective July 1, 2003, any woman seeking an abortion in Minnesota is required to receive certain information from a doctor a minimum of 24 hours prior to her procedure. At MHCW, this information may be provided over the telephone or in person. Most patients prefer the telephone option, because it saves an extra trip to our clinic. Our doctors are available on a flexible schedule, and this information is provided at no cost to our patients. Information sessions are typically five minutes in length, but may run longer depending on questions the patient might ask.

MHCW physicians, according to law, will cover the following information with patients:

1. The probable gestational age of the pregnancy will be provided based on the date of last menstrual period as provided by the patient.
2. The medical risks associated with carrying a child to term.
3. The medical risks associated with the particular abortion procedure to be employed.

Patients are also offered detailed information available in printed form or on the Minnesota Department of Health website:
http://www.health.state.mn.us/wrtk/handbook.html

Patients requesting this information by certified mail must be present to receive and sign for the envelope.