Abortion in Illinois is Legal Protected Accepted
Research Overview & Current Projects
Researchers at Ci3 and the University of Chicago have conducted research and policy analysis to support abortion access in Illinois for many years. Our findings provide insight on the implementation and efficacy of current Illinois abortion policies, interventions to support high-quality abortion care, and efforts to reduce health disparities and inequity. As one of the few states to guarantee a fundamental right to abortion in a post – Dobbs landscape, Illinois plays a key role in ensuring access to abortion care in the Midwest.
Illinois can also provide leadership on innovative policy, health system infrastructure, and provider training. Guided by the principles of reproductive justice, we aim to partner with stakeholders across the state to support evidence-based policy-making and clinical care. Below are our current and most recent research projects on abortion in Illinois.
TRAVIL
HB40 Implementation Research
MAPP - IL
MAI Choice
Ready to EXPAND
WAVE
TRAVIL
Traveling for Abortion and Navigating care in Illinois (TRAVIL) aims:
1) To understand experiences and priorities of individuals traveling out-of-state to seek abortions in Illinois to inform support for patient navigation and shared decision-making.
2) Specifically examine patient priorities when considering: appointment timing and location; travel and related logistics; costs; method preference; and safety, security and stigma.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Julie Chor, MD, MPH
Co-Investigator: Lee Hasselbacher, JD
HB40 Implementation Research
Our study aimed to explore the perspectives and experiences of clinicians, clinic administrators, advocates and stakeholders before and after state Medicaid funding of abortion in Illinois, with lessons for implementation. We also collected service delivery statistics from abortion clinics in Illinois between 2017-2020 to understand shifts in service patterns.
A timeline of the HB40 implementation and relevant resources are availble here.
Co-investigators: Terri-Ann Thompson, PhD; Debra Stulberg, MD, MAPP; Lee Hasselbacher, JD; Aalap Ooha Bommaraju, MPH
Papers:
MAPP - IL
Mapping Abortion-fund Patients in Illinois (MAP IL) aims to answer two research questions in collaboration with the Chicago Abortion Fund (CAF) and the Abortion Access Dashboard:
1) Among individuals utilizing CAF funds to seek abortion in the state of Illinois, does the observed average distance traveled from grantee zip code to location of abortion differ from that predicted by the Abortion Access Dashboard?
2) Do these differences vary by demographic characteristics, pregnancy- related factors, individual preferences, travel characteristics, grantee zip code characteristics, level of care, or timing of abortion relative to Dobbs?
Principal Investigator: Katherine Rivlin, MD
Co – Investigators: Lee Hasselbacher, JD, and Laura McGuinn, PhD
MAI Choice
MAI Choice: Understanding the Impact of Removing Cost Barriers on Early Abortion Access and Method Choice aimed to answer:
1. Since the implementation of state policy changes that require both public and private insurance coverage of abortion: a. How has the proportion of patients who pay for their abortion with insurance changed since the implementation of private and public insurance coverage? b. How has the gestational age at abortion changed since the implementation of private and public insurance coverage? c. How has the proportion of patients choosing medication abortion changed, compared to previous years? d. What barriers or facilitators to accepting and billing insurance have clinics experienced?
2. Among those patients who present at the clinic in the window to select medication or procedural abortion: a. How does insurance coverage influence abortion method selection and preference? b. How is abortion method selection influenced by clinic factors or personal circumstances, including those resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic? c. What other factors influence abortion method selection and preference?
Principal Investigator: Lee Hasselbacher, JD
Co-Investigators: Debra Stulberg, MD MAPP and Amy Whitaker, MD
Posters:
Illinois patient preferences around abortion method prior to 11 week’s gestation
Ready to EXPAND
Ready to ExPAND Mifepristone: Research for post-REMs dispensing aimed to assess pharmacists from Illinois knowledge about mifepristone, comfort with dispensing mifepristone, and understand resources needed to dispense mifepristone when permitted to do so by law.
Principal Investigator: Lee Hasselbacher, JD
Co-Investigators: Debra Stulberg, MD MAPP
Poster: Exploring pharmacist comfort and readiness to dispense mifepristone
WAVE
Youth Wants, Attitudes, Values, and Expectations (WAVE) around Bodily Autonomy, Gender,
and Abortion Care Policy is a qualitative research study with the aims to:
1. Understand youth perspectives on bodily autonomy and integrity, given the current legal restrictions around abortion and the impact on their life decision and civic engagement
2. To understand what young people would like to see happen in policy regarding these topics
Principal Investigator: Lee Hasselbacher, JD
Abortion Access in Illinois Dashboard
In the 6 months after Dobbs, Illinois providers have reported an increase of 6,840 abortions
We Count Data Snapshot, April 2023: Providers in Illinois are averaging a monthly increase of 1,140 abortions in a post-Dobbs environment. Illinois is currently the state experiencing the second highest increase in abortion care. This number will likely heighten, as Florida and North Carolina, increase abortion restrictions. As the legal status of abortion in neighboring states continue to change, more people will travel to Illinois for care. For example, Indiana, where abortion is currently legal but has had short term bans, has seen a 50% reduction in people seeking abortion in Indiana. Most likely people from Indiana seeking abortion care are travelling to neighboring states like Illinois to now receive care.
If you or someone you know is looking for abortion care, visit abortionfinder.org to locate providers by distance and method preference.
Ci3's Latest Research Briefs
University of Chicago Publications
They were there because they were pregnant. Which is a really apolitical thing—Medical student discussions of politics in abortion care in the United States."
Rivlin, Katherine, Alexandra Kissling, and Maryl G. Sackeim. Contraception 120 (2023): 109922.
We compared how medical students training in one permissive and one restrictive state discussed politics in abortion care. From 2018 to 2019, we interviewed US medical students during their Obstetrics
Abortion‐Seeking Minors’ Views on the Illinois Parental Notification Law: A Qualitative Study.
Kavanagh, Erin K., et al. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health 44.3 (2012): 159-166.
Thirty-seven states have laws in effect that mandate parental involvement in adolescent abortion decisions. Little is known about minors’ opinions of parental involvement laws.In-depth interviews we
Factors influencing parental involvement among minors seeking an abortion: a qualitative study.
Hasselbacher, Lee A., et al. American Journal of Public Health 104.11 (2014): 2207-2211.
We explored factors that influenced whether minors involved or excluded a parent when seeking an abortion. Minors were motivated to involve parents and other adults who were engaged in their lives at
Prevalence and correlates of having a regular physician among women presenting for induced abortion.
Chor, Julie, et al. Women's Health Issues 26.5 (2016): 517-522.
We conducted a retrospective review of women presenting to an urban, university-based family planning clinic for abortion between January 2008 and September 2011. Of 834 women, 521 (62.5%) had a regul
Variation in pregnancy options counseling and referrals, and reported proximity to abortion services, among publicly funded family planning facilities.
Hebert, Luciana E., et al. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health 48.2 (2016): 65-71.
As frontline providers, publicly funded family planning clinics represent a critical link in the health system for women seeking information about pregnancy options, yet scant information exists on th
Well-woman care barriers and facilitators of low-income women obtaining induced abortion after the affordable care act.
Chor, Julie, et al. Women's Health Issues 28.5 (2018): 387-392.
This study uses the abortion visit as an opportunity to identify women lacking well-woman care (WWC) and explores factors influencing their ability to obtain WWC after implementation of the Affordable
“My hands are tied”: abortion restrictions and providers’ experiences in religious and nonreligious health care systems
Hasselbacher, Lee A., et al. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health 52.2 (2020): 107-115.
Abortion is generally prohibited in Catholic hospitals, but less is known about abortion restrictions in other religiously affiliated health care facilities. Patients seeking abortion or presenting wi
Lessons learned: Illinois providers’ perspectives on implementation of Medicaid coverage for abortion.
Hasselbacher, Lee, et al. Contraception 103.6 (2021): 414-419.
We documented abortion providers' perspectives on the service delivery consequences of Medicaid coverage for abortion in Illinois. We conducted in-depth interviews with clinicians and administrators (
Forced parental involvement in youth abortion creates obstacles to access, even with judicial bypass.
Hasselbacher, Lee, and Amber Truehart. Journal of Adolescent Health 68.1 (2021): 5-6.
Some states require parental consent and others require providers to notify parents of a young person’s abortion appointment. Proponents of parental involvement laws argue that they improve family c
Lessons learned: Illinois providers’ perspectives on implementation of Medicaid coverage for abortion.
Hasselbacher, Lee, et al. Contraception 103.6 (2021): 414-419.
We documented abortion providers' perspectives on the service delivery consequences of Medicaid coverage for abortion in Illinois. All participants supported the law and expected benefits to patients.
Provider and community stakeholder perspectives of expanding Medicaid coverage of abortion in Illinois.
Zuniga, Carmela, et al. BMC Health Services Research 22.1 (2022): 1-15.
This study aimed to understand how HB-40 affected abortion affordability from the perspectives of individuals that work directly or indirectly with abortion patients or facilities providing abortion c
Exploring Illinois contraceptive providers’ interest in medication abortion training.
Hasselbacher, Lee, et al. Contraception 114 (2022): 58-60.
251 Illinois providers responded to a survey assessing their interest in attending medical abortion training. Over half of the respondents indicated an interest in such training. Our findings suggest
Comparison of vaginal and buccal misoprostol after mifepristone for medication abortion through 70 days of gestation: A retrospective chart review.
Young, Danielle, et al. Contraception 115 (2022): 62-66.
A retrospective chart review on the efficacy of vaginal misoprostol within 70 days of gestation. Results show that clinically, vaginal misoprostol and shorter intervals between mifepristone and misop
Trauma of abortion restrictions and forced pregnancy: urgent implications for acute care surgeons.
Keegan, Grace, et al. Surgery & Acute Care Open 8.1 (2023): e001067.
Structural inequality compounds the trauma of abortion restrictions in America. Acute care surgeons must take action to become aware of and trained to treat both the direct clinical complications and
They were there because they were pregnant. Which is a really apolitical thing—Medical student discussions of politics in abortion care in the United States."
Rivlin, Katherine, Alexandra Kissling, and Maryl G. Sackeim. Contraception 120 (2023): 109922.
We compared how medical students training in one permissive and one restrictive state discussed politics in abortion care. From 2018 to 2019, we interviewed US medical students during their Obstetrics and Gynecology rotation from two Midwestern academic centers with differing state abortion policies—one in Ohio (restrictive) and one in Illinois (permissive). Even as clinical training opportunities decline, restrictive states may hold unique advocacy opportunities.
Abortion‐Seeking Minors’ Views on the Illinois Parental Notification Law: A Qualitative Study.
Kavanagh, Erin K., et al. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health 44.3 (2012): 159-166.
Thirty-seven states have laws in effect that mandate parental involvement in adolescent abortion decisions. Little is known about minors’ opinions of parental involvement laws.In-depth interviews were conducted with 30 minors presenting for an abortion at one of three Chicago-area clinics in 2010. Most minors perceived the law negatively, citing fears that it would lead to diminished reproductive autonomy for minors, forced continuation of pregnancies, adverse parental reactions (including emotional or physical abuse) and damaged parental relationships.
Factors influencing parental involvement among minors seeking an abortion: a qualitative study.
Hasselbacher, Lee A., et al. American Journal of Public Health 104.11 (2014): 2207-2211.
We explored factors that influenced whether minors involved or excluded a parent when seeking an abortion. Minors were motivated to involve parents and other adults who were engaged in their lives at the time of the pregnancy, particularly those who supported them in obtaining an abortion. Motivations to exclude a parent were often based on particular family circumstances or experiences that suggested that involvement would not be helpful, might be harmful, or might restrict a minor’s ability to obtain an abortion.
Prevalence and correlates of having a regular physician among women presenting for induced abortion.
Chor, Julie, et al. Women's Health Issues 26.5 (2016): 517-522.
We conducted a retrospective review of women presenting to an urban, university-based family planning clinic for abortion between January 2008 and September 2011. Of 834 women, 521 (62.5%) had a regular physician and 313 (37.5%) did not. Women with a prior pregnancy, live birth, or spontaneous abortion were more likely than women without these experiences to have a regular physician. The abortion visit is a point of contact with a large number of women without a regular physician and therefore provides an opportunity to integrate women into health care.
Variation in pregnancy options counseling and referrals, and reported proximity to abortion services, among publicly funded family planning facilities.
Hebert, Luciana E., et al. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health 48.2 (2016): 65-71.
As frontline providers, publicly funded family planning clinics represent a critical link in the health system for women seeking information about pregnancy options, yet scant information exists on their provision of relevant services. Abortion referrals were provided by a significantly smaller proportion of providers than were adoption referrals (84% vs. 97%). A better understanding of disparities in provision of pregnancy options counseling and referrals at publicly funded family planning clinics is needed to ensure that women get timely care.
Well-woman care barriers and facilitators of low-income women obtaining induced abortion after the affordable care act.
Chor, Julie, et al. Women's Health Issues 28.5 (2018): 387-392.
This study uses the abortion visit as an opportunity to identify women lacking well-woman care (WWC) and explores factors influencing their ability to obtain WWC after implementation of the Affordable Care Act. Despite most being insured, participants encountered WWC barriers after implementation of the Affordable Care Act. Further work is needed to identify and engage women lacking preventive reproductive health care.
“My hands are tied”: abortion restrictions and providers’ experiences in religious and nonreligious health care systems
Hasselbacher, Lee A., et al. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health 52.2 (2020): 107-115.
Abortion is generally prohibited in Catholic hospitals, but less is known about abortion restrictions in other religiously affiliated health care facilities. Patients seeking abortion or presenting with pregnancy complications at Catholic and Protestant hospitals may encounter more delays and fewer treatment options than they would at secular hospitals.
Lessons learned: Illinois providers’ perspectives on implementation of Medicaid coverage for abortion.
Hasselbacher, Lee, et al. Contraception 103.6 (2021): 414-419.
We documented abortion providers' perspectives on the service delivery consequences of Medicaid coverage for abortion in Illinois. We conducted in-depth interviews with clinicians and administrators (N = 23) from 15 Illinois clinics, including clinics that provided other services and those primarily providing abortion. Implementing Medicaid coverage for abortion requires proactive and responsive state institutions, improvements to reimbursement processes, and adequate reimbursement rates. In Illinois, successful implementation depended on clinic adaptability, external support, and advocacy.
Forced parental involvement in youth abortion creates obstacles to access, even with judicial bypass.
Hasselbacher, Lee, and Amber Truehart. Journal of Adolescent Health 68.1 (2021): 5-6.
Some states require parental consent and others require providers to notify parents of a young person’s abortion appointment. Proponents of parental involvement laws argue that they improve family communication and health outcomes. However, years of research—including several key, recent studies—demonstrate these laws could be putting minors at risk without benefits, leading to opposition from professional medical organizations.
Lessons learned: Illinois providers’ perspectives on implementation of Medicaid coverage for abortion.
Hasselbacher, Lee, et al. Contraception 103.6 (2021): 414-419.
We documented abortion providers' perspectives on the service delivery consequences of Medicaid coverage for abortion in Illinois. All participants supported the law and expected benefits to patients. Many struggled to implement the policy because of difficulties obtaining certification to bill the state Medicaid program, confusing and cumbersome paperwork requirements, reimbursement delays, confusing claim denials, and uncertain protocols for Medicaid patients covered under the exceptions defined by the Hyde Amendment. Our research suggests that successful, sustainable implementation of Medicaid coverage for abortion depends on state policies that allow clinics to enroll patients, process claims in 30 to 90 days, and receive reimbursements covering the cost of care.
Provider and community stakeholder perspectives of expanding Medicaid coverage of abortion in Illinois.
Zuniga, Carmela, et al. BMC Health Services Research 22.1 (2022): 1-15.
This study aimed to understand how HB-40 affected abortion affordability from the perspectives of individuals that work directly or indirectly with abortion patients or facilities providing abortion care. Interviews were conducted with 38 participants. HB-40 was perceived to improve the affordability of abortion. However, participants identified additional obstacles to abortion care in Illinois that weakened the impact of HB-40 for patients and required further action.
Exploring Illinois contraceptive providers’ interest in medication abortion training.
Hasselbacher, Lee, et al. Contraception 114 (2022): 58-60.
251 Illinois providers responded to a survey assessing their interest in attending medical abortion training. Over half of the respondents indicated an interest in such training. Our findings suggest some contraceptive providers may be interested in training opportunities around medication abortion.
Comparison of vaginal and buccal misoprostol after mifepristone for medication abortion through 70 days of gestation: A retrospective chart review.
Young, Danielle, et al. Contraception 115 (2022): 62-66.
A retrospective chart review on the efficacy of vaginal misoprostol within 70 days of gestation. Results show that clinically, vaginal misoprostol and shorter intervals between mifepristone and misoprostol are effective routes of administration through 70 days of gestation.
Trauma of abortion restrictions and forced pregnancy: urgent implications for acute care surgeons.
Keegan, Grace, et al. Surgery & Acute Care Open 8.1 (2023): e001067.
Structural inequality compounds the trauma of abortion restrictions in America. Acute care surgeons must take action to become aware of and trained to treat both the direct clinical complications and the extra gestational consequences of reproductive injustice while also using their collective voices to reaffirm the right to abortion as essential healthcare in the USA.
Abortion Access Resources
Chicago Abortion Fund provides abortion and practical support funding to people seeking abortion across the Midwest.
The Midwest Access Coalition provides practical support (travel, lodging, etc.) for people traveling to get abortions in the Midwest.
Abortionfinder.org will help you to find an abortion provider based off your location and gestational age.
The National Abortion Federation (NAF) may be able to assist you in funding for your abortion.
The Ryan Center, at the University of Chicago, provides medication abortion up to 10 weeks and procedural abortion up to 23 weeks and 6 days.
The Midwest Access Project assists abortion providers with abortion training in the Midwest.
Information on Abortion
Plan C provides comprehensive information on types of abortions and methods in which to have an abortion.
Aid Access is an international based non profit which provides abortion pills through the mail.
If/When/How provides information on navigating abortion laws as well as a hotline for people who have concerns about the legal obstacles to their care.
The Center for Reproductive Rights offers in depth information about the current policy developments around abortion care nationally.
All-Options provides a talkline and website on comprehensive pregnancy options.
City of Chicago provides a website on up to date laws and access information in Chicago.