Is Abortion Legal in Illinois? Full Access, No Restrictions (2026)
What You Need to Know Right Now
Illinois law ensures that abortion is legal for all people. Abortion is still legal and available in Illinois up to fetal viability, around 24-26 weeks of pregnancy. Here’s the truth: Illinois enacted comprehensive abortion rights legislation in 2019 through the Reproductive Health Act, and the Illinois Supreme Court has recognized the right to abortion under the state’s constitution.
Why This Matters to You
While abortion bans swept across America after Roe v. Wade fell in 2022, Illinois took the opposite path. Governor JB Pritzker signed the Reproductive Health Act into law in 2019, protecting abortion access before the federal ruling changed.
Bottom line: Illinois sees over 10,000 patients a year from other states for abortion care, and that number has increased dramatically since June of 2022. If you live in Indiana, Wisconsin, Missouri, Iowa, or Kentucky where abortion is banned or severely restricted, Illinois is your closest option for full reproductive healthcare.
Most sites won’t tell you this, but: Illinois passed additional protections in August 2025 that safeguard health care providers from discipline for providing health care services that are lawful in Illinois, even if those services are illegal in neighboring states.
What You Came to Know: Illinois Abortion Laws and Access
Is Abortion Legal in Illinois in 2026?
Yes. In Illinois, abortion and contraception are considered health care just like any medical treatment or care.
Every individual who becomes pregnant has a fundamental right to continue the pregnancy and give birth or to have an abortion, and to make autonomous decisions about how to exercise that right.
Let’s break this down: Illinois law explicitly states that a fertilized egg, embryo, or fetus does not have independent rights under the laws of this State.
What Are the Gestational Limits for Abortion in Illinois?
A person can have an induced abortion for any reason until fetal viability, around 24-26 weeks of pregnancy. If a doctor determines a fetus is “viable,” they can only perform an abortion to protect the patient’s life, including to protect the patient’s general health and mental health.
A healthcare provider must determine whether pregnancy has reached viability—not state legislators or politicians.
Do Minors Need Parental Consent for Abortion in Illinois?
No. If you are under 18, a clinic is not required by law to contact a parent or legal guardian if you are seeking abortion care services.
As of June 1, 2022, a person under 18 does not need parental consent to get an abortion. Illinois repealed its parental notice law.
Are There Waiting Periods or Mandatory Counseling?
No. There is no mandatory waiting period in Illinois. Pregnant people do not need to undergo an ultrasound or listen to any lectures regarding abortion before accessing abortion.
Here’s what that actually means for you: You will not be forced to go through many of the obstacles seen in other states to obtain an abortion in Illinois.
Does Insurance Cover Abortion in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois Medicaid and most private health insurance plans are required to cover abortion care.
Illinois law requires that, if an insurance plan provides pregnancy-related benefits, they must also cover abortion care.
If you’re traveling from out of state: The requirements do not apply to out-of-state insurance and may not apply to an employer’s self-insured health plan.
Can I Get Medication Abortion (The Abortion Pill) in Illinois?
Yes. Planned Parenthood of Illinois offers medication abortion through the PPDirect app, which means you can now access the care you need, when and where you need it.
To qualify for the abortion pill-by-mail, patients must be 11 weeks pregnant or less. Patients must also have an Illinois address and be physically in Illinois at the time of their telehealth appointment.
New in August 2025: Illinois amended the state’s Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, such that a medication that was previously approved by the FDA whose approval was revoked will remain legal if approved by the World Health Organization. This protects mifepristone access even if federal approval changes.
What You Must Know
Illinois Protects Abortion Providers and Patients from Other States
Illinois has strong “shield laws” that prohibit state and local officials from assisting investigations, lawsuits, or prosecutions related to abortions that are legal in Illinois.
This means police, courts, or agencies here cannot share information about your care with other states.
Government officials can’t give information to out-of-state entities about legally provided health care services in Illinois. This includes information about abortions performed in Illinois.
College Students Got Expanded Access in 2025-2026
Public universities in Illinois must offer students access to contraception and medication abortion on campus, beginning in the 2025-2026 school year.
State colleges and universities must offer consultation appointments with health care professionals who can provide and dispense contraception and medication abortion to students.
Beware of Fake “Crisis Pregnancy Centers”
Be skeptical of organizations that claim to offer comprehensive family planning services but do not share information about all your options, including abortion. Calling themselves “Crisis Pregnancy Centers,” “Pregnancy Resource Centers” and other deceptive names, they will often give misleading information to try to prevent you from having an abortion.
In July 2023, Illinois enacted the Deceptive Practices Related to Limited Services Pregnancy Centers Act, which prohibits anti-abortion centers from using deception to interfere with a person seeking access to abortion.
Proposed Bills to Restrict Abortion Failed
Several bills introduced in early 2025 attempted to repeal the Reproductive Health Act and restrict abortion access. HB3243 and HB1333 sought to create the Illinois Abortion Law of 2025 with provisions similar to the Illinois Abortion Law of 1975, including parental notice requirements and viability restrictions.
All of these bills were re-referred to Rules Committee and did not pass. Abortion remains fully protected under the 2019 Reproductive Health Act.
What to Do Next
Find an Abortion Provider
Search the Abortion Finder directory for trusted Illinois providers, or contact Planned Parenthood of Illinois.
Get Financial Assistance if Needed
Organizations like the Chicago Abortion Fund can help cover costs of the procedure, travel, lodging, and other needs. Call 312-663-0338.
No cost abortion care is available. Illinois residents may qualify.
Understand Your Privacy Rights
You have the right to keep your abortion confidential regardless of how old you are. Who you tell about your abortion is entirely up to you.
You have the right to have your health information kept private. Your medical providers are also required to keep your information private.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re traveling to Illinois from a state with abortion restrictions, protect your digital privacy by using encrypted messaging apps, turning off location services, and paying with cash or prepaid cards when possible. Illinois shield laws protect you, but minimizing your digital footprint reduces risk during travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I travel to Illinois for an abortion if I live in another state?
Yes. If you live in a state that limits abortion access you can travel to Illinois, where abortion remains legal, to receive comprehensive reproductive health services.
You have the constitutional right to travel to another state where abortions are still being legally provided.
Will my immigration status affect my ability to get an abortion in Illinois?
No. Your immigration or citizenship status does not affect your right to care. Everyone — including undocumented people, permanent residents, visitors, and citizens — has the right to seek abortion in Illinois. Clinics do not require proof of citizenship or immigration status to provide care.
Can healthcare providers refuse to perform abortions?
The law does not require an individual, health care provider, or insurance company to provide care that is against their beliefs. However, Illinois law requires that medical providers with religious objections should offer information about where else you might be able to access that service.
Are there two types of abortion available?
Yes. Medication abortion is available if you’re early in pregnancy, typically up to 10 weeks. Procedural abortion involves gently removing the pregnancy from the uterus and is typically available up to the legal limit.
How much does abortion cost in Illinois?
Costs vary, but financial assistance is available to help cover the cost of your abortion. In Illinois, Medicaid and most private insurance plans that cover pregnancy-related care must cover the cost of an in-office abortion.
Can I get the abortion pill by mail in Illinois?
Yes, if you meet eligibility requirements. Planned Parenthood offers medication abortion pill by mail to qualifying patients after a telehealth visit.
What if I’m in state custody or under DCFS supervision?
You have that fundamental right even if you are in State custody, control, or supervision including in jail, prison or under DCFS custody.
Take Action
If you need abortion care in Illinois, start by contacting Planned Parenthood of Illinois at 877-200-7745 or search the Illinois Department of Public Health for licensed providers. For official legal information, review the Illinois Reproductive Health Act.
Need help understanding other Illinois healthcare rights? Explore more legal guides at AllAboutLawyer.com.
Disclaimer: This article provides general legal information about Illinois abortion laws, abortion access, and reproductive rights for informational purposes only. Illinois abortion laws may change over time and circumstances vary by individual situation. AllAboutLawyer.com does not provide legal advice or representation. For authoritative guidance on Illinois abortion laws, abortion access, reproductive rights, or Illinois’s legal system, consult a qualified Illinois attorney licensed to practice in Illinois, the Illinois Department of Public Health, state government resources, reproductive rights organizations, or healthcare providers.
Stay informed, stay protected. — AllAboutLawyer.com
Last Updated: February 7, 2026
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a former family law attorney with over a decade of courtroom and mediation experience. She has represented clients in divorce, custody cases, adoption, Alimony, and domestic violence cases across multiple U.S. jurisdictions.
At All About Lawyer, Sarah now uses her deep legal background to create easy-to-understand guides that help families navigate the legal system with clarity and confidence.
Every article is based on her real-world legal experience and reviewed to reflect current laws.
Read more about Sarah