Traveling from Missouri to Illinois for the Abortion Pill

Yes. You can legally travel from Missouri to Illinois for abortion care. There is no law 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.

Missouri's total abortion ban, which took effect after the Dobbs decision in 2022, prohibits all abortions except in cases of medical emergency. The ban does not include exceptions for rape or incest. This law applies only within Missouri. Once you cross into Illinois, you are under Illinois law, where abortion is legal and protected.

Illinois has shield laws that specifically protect patients who travel from other states for abortion care. Missouri cannot use Illinois courts to pursue 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 Missouri cities:

• St. Louis: approximately 4.5 hours (300 miles) via I-55 North to I-294
• Springfield, MO: approximately 6 hours (370 miles) via I-44 East to I-55 North
• Kansas City: approximately 7.5 hours (500 miles) via I-70 East to I-55 North
• Columbia: approximately 5.5 hours (350 miles) via I-70 East to I-55 North
• Cape Girardeau: approximately 5.5 hours (350 miles) via I-57 North to I-294

The clinic is located at 10215 W. Roosevelt Rd. #101, Westchester, IL 60154. Free parking is available on site. There are restaurants, gas stations, and stores nearby.

For patients in the St. Louis area, there are also clinics closer to the border in the Metro East region of Illinois. However, if you prefer the in-person, provider-supervised care that The Center for Women provides, the extra drive may be worth it.

Your appointment at The Center for Women takes about 1 hour. The provider will perform an ultrasound to confirm how far along you are, review your health history and medications, 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 during your visit. This pill rarely causes immediate symptoms, so you will feel fine to drive home afterward — even with a 4 to 5 hour drive ahead. The second set of pills, misoprostol, is taken at home 24 to 48 hours later. The provider gives you clear instructions for timing and what to expect.

The cost is $380 and covers your appointment, ultrasound, both medications, and a follow-up visit. A cash discount is available. Bring a valid photo ID — your Missouri driver's license works.

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 Missouri or any other state related to abortion care that was legal in Illinois.

Your medical records at The Center for Women are protected by both federal HIPAA regulations and Illinois state privacy laws. Missouri law enforcement cannot access your records through Illinois courts or agencies.

Healthcare providers in Illinois are also protected. The provider who treats you at The Center for Women faces no legal risk for providing care to Missouri patients. The clinic regularly serves patients from Missouri and other states with abortion bans.

A trip from Missouri to Westchester is a full day of driving, so planning ahead helps. Here are practical suggestions:

• Plan for the full day: With a 4.5-hour drive each way from St. Louis (longer from other cities), plus a 1-hour appointment, you are looking at a 10 to 12 hour day. Consider leaving early in the morning.
• Consider staying overnight: There are affordable hotels near the clinic in Westchester and surrounding suburbs. Staying overnight before or after your appointment can make the trip less tiring. This is entirely a personal choice, not a medical requirement.
• Misoprostol timing: You take the second set of pills at home 24 to 48 hours after your visit. This gives you plenty of time to drive home and get settled before any symptoms begin.
• What to bring: Photo ID, comfortable clothing for the drive, a phone charger, snacks and water, and a list of any medications you take.
• Gas and rest stops: The I-55 corridor between St. Louis and Chicago has regular gas stations and rest areas. Plan your stops so you drive comfortably.

You do not need a companion, but you are welcome to bring someone for support or to share the driving on a long trip. Your companion can wait in the waiting area during your appointment, which takes about 1 hour.

If you are traveling with children, the clinic does not have childcare facilities, and children cannot be in the exam room. Plan for another adult to watch them during your visit. Nearby restaurants or shopping areas can keep them occupied.

Some patients find it helpful to have a support person available by phone when they take misoprostol at home, even if that person is not with them for the clinic visit.

Call The Center for Women at (708) 450-4545 to schedule your appointment. Same-day, evening, and weekend appointments are available. Let the staff know you are traveling from Missouri so they can help find a time that works with your travel plans.

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.