Chicago Abortion Fund Statement on Planned Parenthood of Illinois Health Center Closures
Media Contact:
Eleanor Grano, Communications Manager, Chicago Abortion Fund
Email: communications@chicagoabortionfund.org
Phone: 312-219-1611
CHICAGO, IL – January 22, 2025 – This morning on the 52nd Anniversary of Roe v Wade, Planned Parenthood of Illinois announced that they made the difficult decision to close four health centers; Ottawa, Decatur, and Bloomington in Central Illinois and Englewood in Chicago. None of these health centers provide procedural abortion care, but all 4 health centers did provide medication abortion. These health centers will stop taking appointments in March 2025.
Megan Jeyifo, Executive Director of Chicago Abortion Fund issued the following statement:
“At the Chicago Abortion Fund (CAF), we recognize the immense responsibility Illinois providers, abortion fund staff, and advocates have to support the thousands of people who rely on us for abortion care. We also are intensely aware of the financial strain that this reality has caused since the Dobbs decision, particularly as the state fielding the highest increase of abortions nationwide. As Illinois’ statewide abortion fund, we partner with Planned Parenthood of Illinois and independent clinics across the region, decision-makers across all levels of government, and advocates to connect abortion seekers coming to Illinois to get the care they want, need and deserve. This work will continue.
Illinois remains a critical national access point for abortion care, and CAF remains a resource for people facing barriers to this time-sensitive, essential healthcare in our state, no matter where they call home. Now and in the coming months, our Helpline Team is on standby to ensure that everyone, including people in communities facing clinic closures, can access abortion care on the timeline and at the location that works best for them.”
The CAF Helpline is ready to support people who need help accessing abortion care in Illinois and the greater Midwest. Visit the CAF Helpline to complete an intake and receive support. CAF funds abortion care at independent and Planned Parenthood clinics, Telehealth clinics, and hospitals.
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The Chicago Abortion Fund (CAF) isn't just an organization; we're a movement. 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 clients seeking abortions 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 over 33,000 people. In 2024 alone, CAF fielded over 15,000 support requests and distributed over $5 million in direct assistance.