Abortion Information and Resources
If you are pregnant, you may be interested in understanding your options. Abortions are essential health care that people seek for many reasons, all of which are valid. You have the right to exercise bodily autonomy and to choose whatever feels right for you, your health, and your life.
If you choose to seek abortion care, you may have questions about what the process will be like, the cost, and how to access it. Through our sexual health consults, CARE can assist you in answering these questions and any others that may arise. This page also contains information and links to additional resources that may be helpful to you.
For more information on abortion, please visit .
Types of Abortions
There are two types of abortion: and
In-clinic abortion is a procedure that ends a pregnancy through the use of gentle suction (also called vacuum aspiration) and other medical tools (i.e., Dilation and Evacuation) used by licensed medical professionals in a clinic. The procedure itself generally takes only about 5-10 minutes. State laws and clinical policies determine how soon and how far along into a pregnancy someone can receive an abortion, but they are generally easier and safer to receive as soon as possible after you find out you are pregnant. In-clinic abortion is safe and common; serious or long-term side effects are rare and treatable.
Medication abortions are also very safe and effective. This process involves taking two different medications at home to terminate a pregnancy over the course of several hours or days. These medications can be prescribed at a health center (i.e., Planned Parenthood) or doctor's office or via . This method can be used by those up to 10 to 11 weeks pregnant; those further along in their pregnancies can access in-clinic abortion care instead.
Illinois Abortion Law
Despite the overturn of Roe v. Wade, abortion remains for both teens and adults. You have the right to keep your abortion confidential. In Illinois, minors are not required to notify parents or guardians before receiving an abortion. Those seeking abortion care in Illinois are also not required to go through obstacles such as mandatory waiting periods, ultrasounds, or scientifically inaccurate lectures before receiving an abortion. If a service provider is dishonest, coercive, or violates these rights, you can leave a clinic at any time without consequence and seek out a new provider.
To see the abortion laws in other states and to access trusted healthcare providers across the country, visit .