Can Minors Get an Abortion in Illinois Without Parental Consent?

No. In Illinois, minors do not need parental consent or parental notification to receive an abortion. You can make your own decision about abortion care regardless of your age. This applies to all types of abortion, including the abortion pill.

Illinois repealed its Parental Notification of Abortion Act in 2022. Before this change, a minor's parent or guardian had to be notified at least 48 hours before an abortion. That requirement no longer exists. Today, a 16-year-old patient has the same right to schedule and receive care as an adult patient.

This makes Illinois different from most neighboring states, where parental involvement laws still apply or where abortion is banned entirely. Minors from other states can also access care in Illinois without parental notification.

The appointment process is the same for minors and adults. When you call The Center for Women to schedule, you do not need a parent on the phone. You can schedule your own appointment and attend it alone.

At your visit, the provider will perform an ultrasound, review your health history, answer your questions, and prescribe the abortion pill if you are eligible (up to 10 weeks of pregnancy). You take the first pill at the clinic and the second set of pills at home 24 to 48 hours later.

The staff at The Center for Women treats all patients — including minors — with respect and without judgment. The provider will explain each step clearly and make sure you understand what to expect. You are encouraged to ask questions at any point during your visit.

No. The clinic will not contact your parents or guardians. Your medical records are confidential. Under Illinois law and federal HIPAA regulations, your health information is protected and cannot be shared without your consent.

If you pay with cash, there will be no billing statement or insurance explanation of benefits sent to your parents. The Center for Women accepts cash payment, and the $380 cost covers your entire visit including the appointment, ultrasound, medications, and follow-up.

If you use a parent's insurance, be aware that an explanation of benefits may be sent to the policyholder. If privacy is a concern, paying with cash ensures that no documentation goes to anyone else.

Yes. You can bring any trusted adult — an older sibling, aunt, grandparent, friend, or counselor — to your appointment for support. They can wait in the waiting area while you see the provider. You do not need to bring anyone, but many patients appreciate having someone with them.

The person who comes with you does not need to be your legal guardian. They do not need to sign anything or provide their own ID. Your appointment is between you and the provider.

If you would prefer to come alone, that is also completely fine. The clinic staff will support you throughout your visit.

Illinois is one of the most accessible states in the Midwest for minors seeking abortion care. Here is how it compares to neighboring states:

• Indiana: Near-total abortion ban. Minors cannot access abortion in Indiana regardless of parental involvement.
• Missouri: Total abortion ban. No abortions available in Missouri for any age.
• Wisconsin: Abortion is legal, but parental consent is required for patients under 18.
• Iowa: Parental notification is required for patients under 18, with limited exceptions.
• Kentucky: Near-total abortion ban.

Because Illinois has no parental involvement requirement and no abortion ban, it has become a destination for minors from across the Midwest who need access to care.

Illinois has no residency requirement. You can travel from any state to receive abortion care in Illinois, and parental consent is not required regardless of where you live. Illinois shield laws protect patients — including minors — who travel from other states.

If your home state has a parental consent or notification law, that law does not follow you to Illinois. Once you are in Illinois, only Illinois law applies to your care. Your medical records in Illinois are protected from being shared with other states.

If you need to travel to Westchester for your appointment, see our travel guides for patients from Indiana and Missouri for practical tips on making the trip.

Call The Center for Women at (708) 450-4545 to schedule. You can call on your own — a parent does not need to be involved. Same-day, evening, and weekend appointments are available.

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. Cash payment is accepted.