One Year Under Iowa’s Abortion Ban: Hundreds Forced Out of State, Travel Costs Skyrocket
Media Contact:
Eleanor Grano, Communications Manager, Chicago Abortion Fund
Email: communications@chicagoabortionfund.org
Phone: (708) 552-0477
CHICAGO, IL — July 28, 2025 — Since Iowa’s 6-week abortion ban went into effect on July 29, 2024, the Chicago Abortion Fund (CAF), in partnership with the Iowa Abortion Access Fund (IAAF), have fielded support requests from over 870 Iowans facing barriers to abortion access.
Since the ban took effect, and in partnership with IAAF, CAF has:
Distributed over $400,000 total in abortion appointment costs and wrap-around support funding, including travel, lodging, and childcare expenses.
Met a 100% increase in costs for travel and related wrap-around needs – which grew from $40K in the year before the ban to over $80K in the year since the ban.
Connected with 870 Iowans overall who were facing barriers to abortion care, 75% of whom traveled out-of-state for care.
Connected with over 360 Iowans that obtained care in Illinois, a 200% increase compared to the year before the ban was implemented.
“These aren’t just numbers, they’re people navigating impossible situations,” said Megan Jeyifo, Executive Director of the Chicago Abortion Fund. “They’re parents, students, your neighbors, your friends, your community members—forced to travel sometimes hundreds of miles for a basic healthcare need, or come up with hundreds of dollars on a tight turnaround to access care at home. We’ve helped Iowans book last-minute train tickets, drive overnight with young children, and secure lodging for multi-day procedures. Abortion bans and restrictions do not stop abortions. They just force people to access care under extreme pressure.”
The number of Iowans seeking care in Illinois alone has more than doubled per the Guttmacher Institute’s Monthly Abortion Provision Study. Since the ban took effect, hundreds of Iowans have been forced to travel across state lines to Illinois, Minnesota, and Nebraska, often on short notice and without information about local abortion providers and support resources. Hundreds more, who are accessing care at home, face an extremely tight timeline to find out they are pregnant, make a decision about accessing abortion care, gather funds, make an appointment—with nearly no margin for error.
“Immediately after the ban, the Iowa Abortion Access Fund saw a huge drop-off in the number of people reaching out—and we know those low numbers meant that people weren't getting the care that they needed,” said Lyz Lenz, Board Chair, Iowa Abortion Access Fund. “Since last July, the numbers have risen back up to their 2024 levels, thanks to our partners at the Chicago Abortion Fund, but the reality is that the majority of Iowans who need abortions are being forced to leave the state. And while the IAAF is there to help, this puts the burden on other states, funds, and clinics to help Iowans in need. As a result, the costs of abortions are rising.
“At the Iowa Abortion Access Fund, we are seeing an increasing number of cases where Iowans need $10,000 or more in grant money so they can pay for travel, childcare, and time off work. In February, we had a client who was seeking an abortion out of state and needed help with a $19,000 bill. The financial burden created by this ban is crushing families.”
As Iowans are forced to travel across state lines for care, Illinois has become a refuge for many of them. In 2024, 39% of all abortions in the state were for people traveling from elsewhere—the highest percentage in the country—according to the Guttmacher Institute. This shift has been made possible by Illinois’ shield laws, its expanding network of abortion providers, and the infrastructure investments and partnerships that organizations like CAF have helped build.
“Together with partners like IAAF, we’re helping people navigate last-minute travel, rising costs, and confusing laws—all while building long-term systems that make abortion more accessible,” said Megan Jeyifo, Executive Director of the Chicago Abortion Fund. “But people shouldn’t be forced to drive for hours while leaving their kids in another state, drain their savings, or beg for time off just to access basic, common healthcare. These bans are cruel by design, and the emotional, physical, and financial harm they’re causing will reverberate for a long time."
CAF, in partnership with IAAF, funds care for Iowans at independent abortion clinics, Planned Parenthood clinics, telehealth providers, and hospitals. To request support, visit chicagoabortionfund.org/helpline and complete an intake form.
######
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 abortion clinics across Illinois and beyond, and supports people nationwide coming to Illinois for care. Since the Dobbs decision, CAF has received support requests from over 40,000 people. In 2024 alone, CAF fielded over 16,000 support requests and distributed over $7 million in direct assistance.
The Iowa Abortion Access Fund was founded in 1969 and raises money for residents throughout the state of Iowa and the Quad Cities. They are dedicated to the belief that the freedom to choose legal abortion should be available to all individuals. IAAF is committed to providing financial assistance and access to abortion services for people in Iowa, including the Quad Cities area, who lack the resources to pay for an abortion.