Traveling from Wisconsin to Illinois for the Abortion Pill

The drive from Milwaukee to The Center for Women in Westchester, IL takes approximately 2 hours via I-94 South. From Madison, the drive is about 2.5 hours via I-90 South to I-294. From Green Bay or other northern Wisconsin cities, expect a drive of 3 to 4 hours.

The clinic is located at 10215 W. Roosevelt Rd. #101, Westchester, IL 60154, just west of Chicago. The location is easily accessible from I-290 or I-294, with free parking available at the building.

The appointment typically takes about one hour. Many patients from Wisconsin make the trip in a single day, completing the appointment and returning home the same afternoon.

No. Illinois has no residency requirement for abortion care. You do not need an Illinois ID, an Illinois address, or any proof that you live in the state. Your Wisconsin driver's license or any valid photo ID is accepted.

The cost, process, and quality of care are the same for out-of-state patients as they are for Illinois residents. You will receive the same provider consultation, ultrasound, medications, and follow-up care.

Since Wisconsin enacted its abortion restrictions, thousands of Wisconsin residents have traveled to Illinois for care. Illinois clinics are experienced in serving out-of-state patients and can accommodate travel schedules.

No. Illinois has no mandatory waiting period for abortion. You can have your consultation with the provider and receive your first medication (mifepristone) at the same appointment. There is no requirement to make two separate trips.

This is an important difference from some other states. You do not need to come for an initial consultation and then return days later. Your entire initial visit can be completed in a single appointment lasting about one hour.

Same-day appointments are available. If you call in the morning, you may be able to be seen that same day. Evening and weekend appointments are also available to work with your schedule.

No. Illinois has strong shield laws that protect the privacy of out-of-state patients. Your medical records from The Center for Women cannot be shared with Wisconsin law enforcement, courts, or government agencies.

Illinois will not cooperate with investigations from other states related to abortion care. Wisconsin cannot subpoena your medical records, and Illinois courts will not honor any such requests. These shield laws were specifically enacted to protect patients who travel from states with abortion restrictions.

Your visit to the clinic is protected by both federal HIPAA law and Illinois state privacy protections. No information about your care will be sent to Wisconsin without your explicit written consent.

Here are some practical tips for planning your trip from Wisconsin:

• Timing: Plan to be at the clinic for about one hour. With the 2-hour drive each way, a Milwaukee patient can complete the entire trip in about 5 hours.
• What to bring: Valid photo ID (your Wisconsin license is fine), payment of $380 (cash or card), a pad, comfortable clothing, a snack, and water.
• Driving: You can drive yourself. The medication you take at the clinic (mifepristone) does not cause drowsiness or impair driving.
• Support person: You are welcome to bring someone with you, but it is not required. Many patients drive alone.
• Second medication: You will take misoprostol at home in Wisconsin 24 to 48 hours after your appointment. Plan to be at home with access to a bathroom, a heating pad, and ibuprofen for that day.

If you need to stay overnight in the Chicago area, there are hotels near the clinic in Westchester, Hillside, and Oak Brook. However, most Wisconsin patients do not need to stay overnight.

A follow-up visit is typically scheduled 1 to 2 weeks after your initial appointment to confirm the abortion is complete. This visit is included in the $380 cost.

If traveling back to Westchester for the follow-up is difficult, discuss this with the provider at your first appointment. In some cases, the clinic may be able to arrange a phone or video follow-up, or coordinate with a healthcare provider closer to your home.

The follow-up is an important part of the process. It confirms that the abortion is complete and that you are recovering normally. Do not skip this step, even if you feel fine.

Call The Center for Women at (708) 450-4545 to schedule your appointment. When you call, let the staff know you are traveling from Wisconsin so they can help you find a convenient appointment time.

Same-day, evening, and weekend appointments are available. The clinic is located at 10215 W. Roosevelt Rd. #101, Westchester, IL 60154. The abortion pill costs $380, which covers your provider appointment, ultrasound, both medications, and follow-up visit.