In recent times, the accessibility of abortion care in the United States has undergone considerable change. Following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade on June 24, 2022, many states across the country have enacted either complete bans on abortions or imposed significant restrictions on accessing them. As a result of these developments, consumers in many areas are experiencing new legal barriers when they go to access abortion services, including needing to travel across state lines or utilizing telehealth or medical means to obtain them.
As one of the Midwest’s most accessible states for reproductive health care, Illinois provides extensive legal protection for abortion rights in addition to increasing availability of telehealth services from numerous providers for out-of-state patients.
This guide provides comprehensive information regarding access to abortion care in Illinois. It addresses eligibility requirements, types of abortion services available, travel restrictions, telehealth options, and finding reputable providers.
Understanding Abortion Access in the United States
Laws about abortion are different from place to place within the twenty U.S. States (e.g., all fifty states). After the Supreme Court overthrew pro-choice decisions made earlier, abortion-related laws began differ in each of the fifty states, for example, between states adopting prohibitions on abortion or very limited time frames for having them and states with expanded legal protections for getting one.
As of now many pregnant women living in states where abortion is hard to get need to travel outside of their state to get an abortion and we are seeing major population shifts toward those states that provide a high level of protection for pregnant women.
The following ten state’s laws provide high degrees of legal protections for women who seek abortions:
- Illinois
- California
- Colorado
- Oregon
- Washington
- New York
- Massachusetts
- Vermont
These ten states have positioned themselves as regional hubs of access to Safe Abortions for women who do not have access because of restrictive laws in adjacent states.
Illinois will play a significant role in this region, especially in the Midwest, with most of the women who require an abortion coming from states in central and upper-midwestern regions of the country.
Why Illinois Is a Leading State for Abortion Access?
In Illinois, there are among the best legal protections for reproductive healthcare in the U.S., in that the Illinois Reproductive Health Act (which was signed into law in 2019) identifies abortion as a basic human right and states that all individuals have a right to make choices about their pregnancy and their reproductive health care.
Key components of the law include:
- Abortion is legal and protected under state law;
- There are no mandatory waiting periods;
- There is no requirement for pre-abortion counseling or a mandatory ultrasound;
- Minors do not need a parent to notify them of an abortion;
- Medicaid and most private insurance cover abortions;
These legal and financial protections are one reason that Illinois is much more accessible to individuals than bordering states. Illinois has also created shield laws, which protect individuals and healthcare professionals from being investigated or sued in states with restricted or banned abortion care, which is another reason that IL is the destination for abortion care. Clinics in IL provide care for many individuals who are from states where abortion care is restricted or not legal.
Who Can Get an Abortion in Illinois?
One of the most frequent questions that people ask is whether or not it is legal for someone to get an abortion in Illinois.For the most part, the answer would be “yes.”
In Illinois, the law permits anyone who is pregnant to choose between continuing the pregnancy or terminating it.
Abortion must be legally available up until what we call “fetal viability,” which generally occurs at about 24–26 weeks of gestation.
If a woman’s fetus has already reached that point of development, she can still obtain an abortion if her doctor has determined that such an abortion is medically necessary due to the risk to her health or life.
Furthermore, Illinois protects the right of individuals to access abortions regardless of immigration status;
- gender identity;
- sexual orientation;
- the ability to pay;
- or disability status.
In Illinois, individuals do not have to obtain parental consent or provide parental notification prior to receiving an abortion, even if they are under 18 years old.
Additionally, the state protects your confidentiality and allows you to choose whether to disclose your abortions to anyone.
Types of Abortion Care Available in Illinois
Generally speaking, in Illinois patients have access to two main types of abortion care: medication abortions and surgical abortions.
1. Medication Abortion (The Abortion Pill)
Medication abortion consists of taking 2 medications (1 being mifepristone and 1 being misoprostol) to safely terminate an early pregnancy.
Medication abortion is typically available if you are less than 10-11 weeks pregnant.
Many patients choose this option for the following reasons:
- Because you can usually do it in the comfort of your own home.
- Because it does not involve an in-office procedure.
- Because it is more discrete and private; and it offers increased flexibility with respect to scheduling.
In Illinois, medication abortion can be provided through:
- An in-office appointment.
- A telehealth consultation.
- By way of the mail (if qualified).
Medication abortion use across the United States is on the rise.
2.Procedural (In-Clinic) Abortion
Procedural abortions, which may also be referred to as surgical abortions, are performed in clinics by trained medical professionals.
Procedural abortions are:
- Fast
- Effective
- Typically one visit only
In Illinois, procedural abortions are available later in pregnancy than medication abortions and may be recommended based on gestational stage or medical circumstances.
Abortion healthcare providers will assess which type of procedure is the best option for you.
Telehealth and Abortion Care in Illinois
Telehealth has expanded access to abortion services in the last few years.
In Illinois, patients may be able to consult a healthcare provider online to receive abortion medication through the mail after a telehealth visit.
Telehealth abortion services may help patients who:
- Live in rural areas
- Want to maintain their privacy
- Have problems with transportation
- Cannot easily drive to a clinic
However, there may not be any situations in which telehealth is appropriate.
Patients should meet the minimum criteria for use of telehealth services, including:
- Be within an early pregnancy window
- Be physically present in Illinois during the appointment
- Meet the medical eligibility requirements
For more information on whether telehealth is a viable option for you, read Is Telehealth Right For You?
Traveling to Illinois for Abortion Care
Since Roe v. Wade’s reversal, it has been common for people to travel from state to state to have safe abortions.
In many cases, people leave their home states and go to Illinois to access an abortion procedure.
- Indiana
- Missouri
- Kentucky
- Wisconsin
- Iowa
- Tennessee
Patients traveling for care often need to plan for:
- transportation
- lodging
- time off work
- childcare
- financial assistance
Organizations across Illinois help support patients traveling for abortion care by providing:
- travel grants
- lodging assistance
- logistical support
- appointment coordination
Related reading: Traveling for an abortion? Here’s what to know
What If Your Local Abortion Clinic Closed?
Illinois is also very close to other states who are facing severely restricted abortion access.
With an increase in clinic closures due to anti-abortion legislation, patients often have to go outside their state’s jurisdictional limits to access care.
Should your local clinic close:
- Look for the next nearest abortion provider
- Verify your state law and any limit on how far you can go to obtain an abortion procedure
- Arrange any transportation needed to reach the provider
With the number of people who have traveled to Illinois for an abortion, Illinois remains one of the closest states to neighboring states with unrestricted abortion access.
If you have questions about obtaining an abortion after your local clinic closes you can refer to More Information on What to Do After Your Local Abortion Clinic Closes.
Abortion Access in Rural Areas
Accessing reproductive health services may be more challenging in rural regions because of:
Fewer clinics;
- Transportation obstacles
- Longer distances to travel
- Limited health care systems
Telehealth and medical abortion have made it easier for many patients in rural areas to access care but some people must continue to travel long distances to the nearest city or town.
As a result of these challenges, Illinois is continually working to expand reproductive health service availability throughout the State of Illinois.
Related Reading: Access to abortion services in rural areas.
Buying Abortion Pills Online: What to Know
Ordering abortion pills online has been another topic that has garnered attention since around 2022.
In certain situations, it is possible for abortion to be prescribed by a medical professional and shipped using telemedicine delivery services.
However, patients should take precautions to make sure they receive their medications from reputable health professionals or through certified providers.
There are several important considerations that patients should keep in mind:
- check with the health professional’s credentials
- assess the safety of the medication
- know the requirements for abortion in your state
- Related Articles: Buying Abortion Pills Through the Internet
Abortion Access on College Campuses
College students frequently have difficulties when obtaining reproductive health care.
As a solution, Illinois made access easier by expanding campus health services.
Recent legislation (HB 1166) mandates that public universities in Illinois offer students the ability to obtain medication abortion and contraceptive supplies via campus health centers, thus allowing these services to be obtained more locally by college students.
This legislation will benefit college students in the following ways:
Have access to confidential healthcare services!
Able to obtain females’ abortion/contraceptive healthcare without travelling long distances. Able to obtain care provided by knowledgeable, trustworthy professional health care providers affiliated with their campus.
Medication Abortion and the Supreme Court
Abortion through the use of medication, also referred to as the “medical abortion,” has become an ongoing source of litigation throughout the United States.
The drug called Mifepristone has been used as part of routine care for abortion for many years and has been FDA-approved since its initial introduction in the 1970s.
Many recent court decisions are challenging the FDA’s prior approval of Mifepristone as well as the distribution of this type of medication.
In the state of Illinois, lawmakers have passed legislation ensuring that women will still have access to a legal abortion through medications, regardless of any changes to federal laws.
With these protections on a state-level, providers will be able to provide their patients with access to medication abortions even if there is a change in federal policy.
See related information: Mifepristone access and the U.S. Supreme Court Case
How Abortion Access Has Changed Since Dobbs
The 2022 decision made by the Supreme Court to repeal Roe v. Wade dramatically changed the provision of abortion access in the United States.
Major changes around abortion access include:
- Abortion bans have been enacted in many states.
- More patients are traveling to other states for abortion care.
- The use of telehealth for access to medication abortions has increased.
- States that allow abortions (like Illinois) have increased their ability to protect abortion access.
Clinics providing abortion care in Illinois are now providing a much larger number of abortions to out-of-state patients.
Related reading: One Year After Dobbs – How Medication Abortion Is Changing in a Post-Roe World.
Cost of Abortion Care in Illinois
The abortion care costs can be affected by different factors, such as:
- age of the fetus
- type of procedure used for the abortion
- location of the abortion clinic
- insurance coverage
Illinois offers Medicaid coverage for abortion services and many private health insurance plans offer coverage. You may also qualify for financial assistance programs to help with the costs of care.
In Illinois, there are numerous organizations that provide funding for people who need assistance to pay for abortion care.
Finding a Trusted Abortion Provider in Illinois
When looking for abortion care, it is essential to select a medical provider that is credentialed and committed to providing safe, confidential, and compassionate services to their patients.
The right medical provider to trust with your care should be able to:
- Provide Accurate Medical Information.
- Present Patients With All Options.
- Support Patient Privacy.
- Provide Supportive, Non-judgmental Care.
In most cases, patients will start with a consultation with the health care provider (that usually includes confirmation of pregnancy, gestational age and discussion of options) to establish:
Medication Abortion versus Procedural Abortion.
- The Typical Timeline for A Termination of Pregnancy.
- Aftercare and Recovery.
- Under Any Medical Considerations.
Serenity Choice Health: Trusted Abortion Care Provider in Illinois, New York, and Indiana
For those needing abortion services located throughout the Midwest and Northeast regions of the United States, Serenity Choice Health offers confidential and patient-centered reproductive healthcare. They also provide types of abortion care to meet the needs of each individual patient, depending upon medical needs, privacy preferences, or travel limitations.
Serenity Choice health care clinics provide access to safe and professional reproductive health care (abortion services) in Illinois, Indiana, and New York. Residents in these three states typically have limited options and encounter various barriers when attempting to access these services.
The majority of patients using the Serenity Choice Health Clinic (primary clinic location) come from the Chicago area or states surrounding Illinois. The clinic provides both in-clinic appointments and telehealth appointments to allow patients to receive care based upon what is best for their needs and situation.
Final Thoughts: Navigating Abortion Care in Illinois
Many people find trying to obtain an abortion is daunting due to how different laws around abortion vary state by state and across the healthcare systems in each state.
Illinois has become a leader in providing access to reproductive healthcare for residents and non-residents alike in the Midwest due to strong legal protections surrounding abortion, availability of telehealth-based provider options, and an expanding network of abortion provider options.
Additionally, even though you may currently be living in Illinois or will be travelling here from out of state, patients seeking to access legal and safe abortion care will have many different ways in which to do so.
By being aware of their own right as a patient, knowing what kind of services they may be eligible to receive in Illinois and finding a provider that they can trust may help to create a less stressful experience for patients.
Dr. James Carter is a board-certified physician and lead clinician at Serenity Choice Health, specializing in reproductive health access and medication abortion protocols. With over 20+ years of experience, he combines clinical expertise with patient-centered care to ensure safe, compassionate, and confidential reproductive healthcare.