Traveling from Indiana to Illinois for the Abortion Pill

Yes. You can legally travel from Indiana to Illinois for abortion care. No law in Indiana or Illinois stops you from getting healthcare in another state. Illinois has no residency requirement, so you do not need to live in Illinois or have an Illinois ID to be seen here.

Indiana's near-total abortion ban took effect in 2023 and blocks most abortions in that state, with very limited exceptions. That law applies only inside Indiana. Once you cross into Illinois, you are under Illinois law, and abortion here 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 keep Indiana from using Illinois courts to take legal action against you for care that is legal in Illinois.

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

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

The clinic is at 10215 W. Roosevelt Rd. #101, Westchester, IL 60154, with free parking on site. There are 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. The provider will do an ultrasound to confirm how far along you are, review your health history and any medicines you take, and prescribe the abortion pill if you are eligible (up to 10 weeks of pregnancy).

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

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

Illinois shield laws 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 over abortion care that was legal in Illinois.

That means Indiana cannot use Illinois courts or law enforcement to go after you for taking the abortion pill in Illinois. Your medical records at The Center for Women are also protected by federal HIPAA rules and Illinois state privacy laws.

Illinois providers are protected too, so they cannot lose their licenses or face penalties for treating out-of-state patients. The Center for Women regularly cares for patients from Indiana and other states with abortion bans.

You only need one trip to the clinic. You take the first pill at your appointment and the second set at home, so schedule a time that lets you drive back at a comfortable pace.

Wait until you are home, or somewhere private and comfortable, before taking the misoprostol. The provider will tell you to take it 24 to 48 hours after your visit, which gives you plenty of time to get back.

Bring these with you:

• Photo ID
• Comfortable clothing
• A phone charger
• Snacks and water for the drive
• Any medicines you take, or a list of them

You do not need a companion, but you are welcome to bring someone, and they can wait in the waiting area during your appointment. If you would rather stay overnight, there are hotels within minutes of the clinic, though there is no medical reason you need to stay.

The clinic does not have childcare, 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 at a nearby restaurant, park, or shopping area.

If childcare is what stands between you and care, call the clinic at (708) 450-4545 to talk about 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 helps when you are planning travel. Let the staff know you are coming from Indiana so they can help you find an appointment time that works.

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