As National and Regional Attacks Escalate, Illinois Lawmakers Defend and Expand Abortion Access
Media Contact:
Eleanor Grano, Communications Manager, Chicago Abortion Fund
Email: communications@chicagoabortionfund.org
Phone: 312-219-1611
CHICAGO, IL — June 4, 2025 — As states across the country, continue to restrict access to mifepristone and attack providers, Illinois legislators continue to lead with bold, proactive pro-abortion policies.
As of May 31st, two major medication abortion bills have passed through both Houses and are awaiting Governor Pritzker’s signature:
H.B. 3709, which would require all public colleges and universities in Illinois to offer medication abortion and contraception through campus clinics or telehealth.
H.B. 3637, which would shield Illinois pharmacists from punishment for dispensing legal abortion or gender-affirming care, even to patients traveling from out of state. It also includes protections for dispensing medication, even if the U.S. Food and Drug Association (FDA) rescinds its approval, so long as the medications are still recommended by peer reviewed research or the World Health Organization (WHO).
“These bills are a powerful reminder that Illinois is committed to protecting and expanding access to care—not just for those who live here, but for the thousands forced to travel to Illinois from across the country,” said Alicia Hurtado, Advocacy and Communications Director of the Chicago Abortion Fund. “ As mifepristone is being targeted on a federal level, and we continue to see attacks on abortion providers and access in states across the country, Illinois lawmakers are proving that protecting abortion care is not only possible, but urgent in this political moment. Illinois remains the blueprint for a state that treats abortion as exactly what it is: common, safe, necessary healthcare.”
The Chicago Abortion Fund is ready to support the implementation of these policies and applauds the General Assembly for continuing to prioritize the health and dignity of all people seeking abortion care.
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The Chicago Abortion Fund (CAF) is the largest independent abortion fund in the country. For 40 years, we've been tearing down barriers to abortion care in Chicago, the Midwest, and beyond. We’re not just providing funding; we’re supporting our callers in accessing freedom, dignity, and autonomy.
CAF offers support for people seeking abortion care in Illinois including, procedure funding, travel and related needs like childcare, emotional support and logistical expertise. The organization has relationships with 75+ abortion clinics across 12 states, and supports people nationwide. Since the Dobbs decision, CAF has received support requests from 40,000 people. In 2024 alone, CAF fielded over 16,000 support requests and distributed over $5 million in direct assistance.