Traveling from Indiana to Illinois for the Abortion Pill

Yes. You can legally travel from Indiana to Illinois for abortion care. There is no law in Indiana or Illinois that prevents you from seeking healthcare in another state. Illinois has no residency requirement — you do not need to live in Illinois or have an Illinois ID to receive care here.

Indiana's near-total abortion ban, which took effect in 2023, prohibits most abortions in the state with very limited exceptions. This law applies only within Indiana. Once you cross into Illinois, you are under Illinois law, where abortion is legal and protected by the Illinois Reproductive Health Act.

Illinois also has shield laws that protect patients who travel from other states for abortion care. These laws prevent Indiana from using Illinois courts to take legal action against you for receiving care that is legal in Illinois.

The Center for Women is located in Westchester, IL, a western suburb of Chicago. Here are approximate driving times from major Indiana cities:

• Indianapolis: approximately 3 hours (180 miles) via I-74 West to I-57 North to I-294
• Fort Wayne: approximately 3.5 hours (210 miles) via I-69 South to I-465 West to I-74 West
• South Bend: approximately 2 hours (100 miles) via I-90 West to I-294 South
• Terre Haute: approximately 3 hours (180 miles) via I-70 West to I-55 North to I-294
• Evansville: approximately 5 hours (300 miles) via I-64 West to I-57 North

The clinic is located at 10215 W. Roosevelt Rd. #101, Westchester, IL 60154. Free parking is available on site. The area has restaurants and stores nearby if you need to pass time before or after your appointment.

Your appointment at The Center for Women takes about 1 hour. During this visit, the provider will perform an ultrasound to confirm how far along you are, review your health history and any medications you take, and prescribe the abortion pill if you are eligible (up to 10 weeks of pregnancy).

You will take the first pill, mifepristone, at the clinic. This pill rarely causes immediate symptoms, so you will feel fine to make the drive home afterward. The second set of pills, misoprostol, is taken at home 24 to 48 hours later. The provider will give you detailed instructions for when and how to take it.

The cost is $380, which covers your appointment, ultrasound, both medications, and a follow-up visit. A cash discount is available. Bring a valid photo ID to your appointment.

Illinois shield laws specifically protect out-of-state patients who travel to Illinois for abortion care. Under these laws, Illinois will not cooperate with investigations, subpoenas, or legal actions from other states related to abortion care that was legal in Illinois.

This means that Indiana cannot use Illinois courts or law enforcement to pursue legal action against you for receiving the abortion pill in Illinois. Your medical records at The Center for Women are protected by both federal HIPAA regulations and Illinois state privacy laws.

Healthcare providers in Illinois are also protected from losing their licenses or facing penalties for serving out-of-state patients. The Center for Women regularly cares for patients from Indiana and other states with abortion restrictions.

Plan your trip so you can be comfortable and focused on your care. Here are some practical suggestions:

• Timing: You only need one trip to the clinic. The first pill is taken at your appointment, and the second is taken at home. Schedule your appointment for a time that allows you to drive home at a comfortable pace.
• Misoprostol timing: Wait until you are home or in a comfortable, private location before taking the second set of pills. The provider will instruct you to take misoprostol 24 to 48 hours after your visit, so you will have plenty of time to get home.
• What to bring: Photo ID, comfortable clothing, a phone charger, snacks and water for the drive, and any medications you currently take (or a list of them).
• Support person: You do not need a companion, but you are welcome to bring someone. They can wait in the waiting area during your appointment.

If you prefer to stay overnight in the Westchester area, there are hotels within minutes of the clinic. However, this is a personal choice — there is no medical reason you need to stay overnight.

The clinic does not have childcare facilities, and children cannot be in the exam room during your appointment. If you are traveling with children, plan for another adult to watch them during your 1-hour visit. They could wait with your children in a nearby restaurant, park, or shopping area while you are at your appointment.

If arranging childcare is a barrier to getting care, call the clinic at (708) 450-4545 to discuss your situation. The staff may be able to help you find a solution.

Call The Center for Women at (708) 450-4545 to schedule your appointment. Same-day, evening, and weekend appointments are available, which can be especially helpful for patients coordinating travel. Let the staff know you are traveling from Indiana so they can help you find the most convenient appointment time.

The Center for Women is located at 10215 W. Roosevelt Rd. #101, Westchester, IL 60154. The cost is $380 and covers your appointment, ultrasound, medications, and follow-up visit.