Embryo and Fetal Research Laws

P.A. 368 of 1978
MCL 333.2685-2692

Effective Date: September 30, 1978

This act prohibits a person from using a live human embryo, fetus, or neonate for scientific or laboratory research, or other kind of experimental or investigation not designed to improve the health of the research subject.

Research on a dead embryo, fetus, or neonate is prohibited unless the consent of the mother has first been obtained. Consent is not required in the case of a routine pathological study.

A person is not allowed to perform or offer to perform an abortion where part or all of the consideration for the performance is that the embryo, or fetus, whether alive or dead, may be used for research or study.

A fetal death occurring in this state shall be reported to the state registrar within 5 days after delivery. A physician who performs an abortion shall report the performance of that procedure to the department on forms prescribed by the department. The reports shall be transmitted to the director within 7 days after the performance of the abortion. Reports are given for statistical information, the information will in no way identify the individual who has obtained or seeks to obtain an abortion.

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