Traveling from Kentucky to Illinois for the Abortion Pill

The drive from Louisville to The Center for Women in Westchester, IL takes approximately 5 hours via I-65 North to I-57 North to I-294. From Lexington, the drive is about 5.5 hours. From Bowling Green, expect about 6 hours.

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

Because of the longer drive, many Kentucky patients find it helpful to schedule a morning appointment and plan to arrive the evening before. Some patients complete the round trip in a single long day, while others prefer to stay overnight near the clinic.

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 Kentucky 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.

Kentucky enacted a near-total ban on abortion following the Dobbs decision. Since then, many Kentucky residents have traveled to Illinois for care. Illinois clinics are experienced in serving patients from Kentucky and other states with restrictions.

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 especially important for patients making a long drive. 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. Evening and weekend appointments are also offered to give you flexibility in planning your travel.

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 Kentucky law enforcement, courts, or government agencies.

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

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 Kentucky without your explicit written consent. Even if Kentucky attempts to penalize patients who travel for abortion care, Illinois law prevents any cooperation with those efforts.

Here are practical tips for planning your trip from Kentucky:

• Travel time: The drive is about 5 hours each way from Louisville. Consider arriving the evening before and staying at a hotel near the clinic. Westchester, Hillside, and Oak Brook all have affordable options.
• Appointment length: Plan to be at the clinic for about one hour.
• What to bring: Valid photo ID (your Kentucky 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. However, if you are making the round trip in one day, consider bringing someone to share the driving.
• Support person: You are welcome to bring a companion, but it is not required.
• Second medication: You will take misoprostol at home in Kentucky 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.

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.

Given the 5-hour drive, a return trip for the follow-up may be 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 in Kentucky.

The follow-up is an important part of the process. It confirms that the abortion is complete and that you are recovering normally. Even if an in-person return visit is not possible, do not skip this step. Work with the clinic to find an alternative that works for you.

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

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.