Know Your Rights

Abortion is legal in Illinois. No matter what state you are traveling from, you have the legal right to get an abortion in Illinois. Abortion care is protected under Illinois law, including for people who live in other states.

• Illinois will not cooperate with out-of-state investigations. 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.

• 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.

• Healthcare providers cannot disclose your abortion to immigration enforcement. Your medical information is private and protected by law. Immigration or law enforcement agencies cannot access your health records without a court order.

• Travel within Illinois for abortion care is protected. You cannot be detained or punished simply for traveling into Illinois to seek abortion. Local and state law enforcement have no authority to stop or question you about why you are here.

• Financial and logistical help is available. Organizations like the Chicago Abortion Fund can help cover costs of the procedure, travel, lodging, and other needs. You do not need to share immigration status to receive support.

• Know your environment. While Illinois protects abortion access, transportation routes (airports, highways, border crossings) may be monitored by law enforcement. If you are undocumented or worried about surveillance, consider creating a Travel Emergency Preparedness Plan and sharing it with a trusted family member, friend, or attorney in case of an emergency, and reach out to trusted organizations for support.

In any interactions with law enforcement (local police, ICE agents, National Guard, or otherwise), you should be aware of constitutional rights which apply to everyone:

• Do not talk to law enforcement. You have the right to remain silent and refuse to answer questions if stopped by federal agents or law enforcement — even if there is a warrant. You do not have to share your birthplace, your immigration or citizenship status, or the birthplace or status of anyone else. If stopped on the street, you have the right to ask if you are free to leave.

• Do not sign any documents that you don’t understand. You have the right to NOT sign anything you do not understand. Instead, state that you wish to speak with an attorney (see below for legal resources).

• You are not required to consent to a search. Please be aware that local police do have the right to pat you down if they reasonably suspect a weapon.

• You do not need to let any agent into your home unless they have a warrant signed by a judge. Officers must have a warrant signed by a judge to enter your home. ICE “warrants” are not signed by judges; they are ICE forms signed by ICE officers and they do not grant authority to enter a home without consent of the occupant(s). See examples here.