Traveling from Wisconsin to Illinois for the Abortion Pill

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

The clinic is at 10215 W. Roosevelt Rd. #101, Westchester, IL 60154, just west of Chicago. It is easy to reach from I-290 or I-294, and free parking is available at the building.

The appointment itself takes about one hour, so many Wisconsin patients make the trip in a single day and are home by the afternoon.

No. You do not have to live in Illinois to get abortion care there. You do not need an Illinois ID, an Illinois address, or any proof that you live in the state, and 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 for Illinois residents. You get the same doctor visit, ultrasound, medicines, and follow-up care.

Since Wisconsin restricted abortion, thousands of Wisconsin residents have traveled to Illinois for care. Illinois clinics are used to serving out-of-state patients and can work around travel plans.

No. Illinois has no waiting period for abortion, so you can meet with the doctor and get your first medicine (mifepristone) at the same appointment. There is no rule that you make two trips.

That makes Illinois different from some other states. You do not have to come once to talk and then come back days later, because the whole first visit fits into one appointment of about one hour.

Same-day appointments are available, and if you call in the morning you may be seen that same day. Evening and weekend times can also 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 police, courts, or government agencies.

Illinois will not help other states investigate abortion care. Wisconsin cannot subpoena your medical records, and Illinois courts will not honor such requests. These shield laws were passed to protect patients who travel from states that restrict abortion.

Your visit is also protected by federal HIPAA law and Illinois privacy rules. Nothing about your care will be sent to Wisconsin unless you give written consent. Laws can change, so you can confirm the details when you call or at your visit.

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 finish the whole 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 clothes, a snack, and water.
• Driving: You can drive yourself. The medicine you take at the clinic (mifepristone) does not make you drowsy or affect your driving.
• Support person: You can bring someone with you, but you do not have to, and many patients drive alone.
• Second medicine: You will take misoprostol at home in Wisconsin 24 to 48 hours after your appointment. Plan to be home with a bathroom close by, 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. Most Wisconsin patients do not need to stay over, though.

Your follow-up visit is included in the $380 cost. It is usually set for 1 to 2 weeks after your first appointment to confirm the abortion is complete.

If the drive back to Westchester is hard, talk with the doctor at your first appointment. In some cases the clinic can set up a phone or video follow-up, or work with a provider closer to your home.

The follow-up matters because it shows the abortion is complete and you are healing well, so do not skip it 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 time that fits your trip.

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