Chicago Ranked Highest in National Institute for Reproductive Health’s Report on Reproductive Freedom
Media Contact:
Eleanor Grano, Communications Manager, Chicago Abortion Fund
Email: eleanor@chicagoabortionfund.org (cc: info@chicagoabortionfund.org)
Phone: 312-219-1611
CHICAGO, IL – February 15, 2023
This week the National Institute for Reproductive Health (NIRH) released its Local Reproductive Freedom Index (LRFI), a biennial scorecard that analyzes the reproductive freedom landscapes in the 50 most populous cities and counties across the country. Chicago received 4.5 out of 5 stars – the highest score that any city received– showing that Chicago is a leader in reproductive freedom.
The LRFI provides cities and counties a clear roadmap to becoming an reproductive freedom model city, which would support the freedom and ability of each person to control their sexual and reproductive lives, foster thriving families, and de-stigmatize abortion and contraception. The LRFI also highlights concrete actions cities should take to bolster abortion access, including cities in states that are politically hostile to abortion.
With data collected from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2022, the LRFI looks back on a time of intense turmoil in our country, including the year before the overturn of Roe v. Wade. Chicago has been on the forefront of implementing protective ordinances for individuals seeking abortion care and reproductive healthcare, and is also one of just 16 cities in the nation thus far to invest in local abortion funds, with the Justice for All pledge that was renewed in the 2024 budget.
While there is undoubtedly more work to be done towards securing reproductive freedom for all, leaders in Chicago have shown their commitment to advancing reproductive equity and freedom.
NIRH scored the 50 cities and counties based on the following proactive policy categories:
• Protecting abortion access
• Funding and coverage of reproductive health care
• Supporting young people
• Supporting families
• Building healthy and just communities
• Proclaiming local values
Statement from Mayor Brandon Johnson, City of Chicago
“I am grateful for the ongoing efforts of the Advisory Council on Women and their efforts to advance reproductive rights and contribute to the well-being of our communities. This report aligns with my administration in supporting policies that ensure access to affordable and quality healthcare services – including reproductive health services – and as access to abortion and reproductive health shrinks nationwide, Chicago has stepped up to the challenge of providing quality care for all.
Through the Advisory Council on Women, the work of partners like the Chicago Abortion Fund, Planned Parenthood of Illinois and Personal Pac continue to shape the outlook of equitable access to quality healthcare, and I am proud of this recognition of the protections and services the City and its partners provide.”
Statement from Alicia Hurtado, Chicago Abortion Fund Movement Building Director:
“The Chicago Abortion Fund (CAF) provides financial, logistical, and emotional support to people facing barriers in accessing abortion care across the Midwest, and beyond. While Chicago has long been a regional access point for abortion care, today, people from across the country are traveling to Chicago on a daily basis to access the abortion care they want, need, and deserve. The increased protections for people forced from their communities to access basic, essential, common healthcare in the city of Chicago and the funding that CAF has received from the City over the last two years, has allowed us to offer support to over 5,000 people seeking care in our city since the fall of Roe v. Wade no matter who they are or where they are from. We are committed to continuing to bridge abortion access gaps for all, and believe that this administration, in partnership with the Chicago Department of Public Health will continue to make investments in initiatives rooted in reproductive justice and bodily autonomy for all people.
Statement from Jeanine Valrie Logan, Chicago South Side Birth Center Founder and Lead Steward
“Chicago South Side Birth Center will offer birth and reproductive health care for people in their own community. We aim to be an answer to the lack of care options currently available on the as well as a solution to the disparate maternal and child health rates among Black birthing people and children on the South Side. We are proud of the high score Chicago has received in providing funding for reproductive health services, initiatives to address pregnancy related mortality, and environmental protections for reproductive health. We understand that these are initial steps in increasing access and expansion in the whole reproductive wellness of our communities.”
Statement from Dr. Olusimbo Ige, Commissioner of Chicago Department of Public Health, City of Chicago:
“Abortion care is health care and a central aspect of reproductive health, along with comprehensive, age-appropriate, medically accurate sexual health education, birth control, and adequate pre- and postnatal care. CDPH’s Office of Reproductive Health provides $2m in annual funding to 3 delegate agencies: Chicago Abortion Fund, Planned Parenthood of Illinois, and the University of Illinois Hospital and Health System, serving more than 2,400 persons each year. These dollars support not only abortion care, but other associated costs, including transportation and lodging. This Office also supports public education and awareness around reproductive health through its chicago.gov/abortioncare page, and internal professional development by working to build capacity for reproductive health care services in CDPH STI Specialty Clinics. CDPH is grateful to see Chicago applauded as a leader in this space, and we remain committed to ensuring all Chicagoans have access to all aspects of reproductive care. In particular, we know we must do more to ensure equity in access to healthcare for the South and West sides of Chicago. We are deeply appreciative of the partnership of community organizations, advocates, healthcare providers, and the administration of Mayor Brandon Johnson as we work to grow these resources and programs.”
Statement from Umi Grigsby, Chief of Policy, City of Chicago:
“Chicago has a long history of advocating for women’s rights and is considered the birthplace of the reproductive justice movement. As part of the Mayor’s policy agenda, we remain committed to protecting the reproductive rights of all residents in our great city. Chicago should be a sanctuary of reproductive justice with equal access to safe abortion, affordable contraceptives and comprehensive sex education, freedom from sexual violence, and, a place where all have the right to have a child, the right to not have a child, and the right to parent a child or children in safe and healthy environments.”
Statement from Noureen Hashim, Director of Gender Based Violence and Health, City of Chicago:
“One of the focuses of the Mayor’s Advisory Council on Women for 2024 is reproductive healthcare. The NIRH score showcases what we as an administration are committed to – quality reproductive healthcare and broadly reproductive justice. We look forward to the recommendations from our partners, such as the Chicago Abortion Fund, Planned Parenthood and Personal Pac to understand the most pressing needs and to expand access to quality healthcare for all Chicagoans.”
Statement from Sarah Garza Resnick, Personal PAC CEO:
"We are incredibly proud of Chicago for receiving such an excellent scorecard. This report is a reflection of the deep collaboration between pro-abortion elected officials and policymakers and the healthcare providers and support organizations like Chicago Abortion Fund that are providing necessary, compassionate, high quality care every day. At Personal PAC we are committed to electing leaders to office who will keep abortion safe and legal in Illinois, and push for increased access and equity."
Statement from Kelli García, NIRH Interim Vice President of Programs and Partnerships:
“The National Institute for Reproductive Health’s LRFI is an important check on the reproductive freedom landscape across localities. While state-level policies play a central role in reproductive freedom – including access to abortion – cities and counties can and should use all their levers of power to build healthy communities. We are proud to provide not only this unique analysis of city-based policy, but a clear roadmap for elected leaders and advocates to build model cities for reproductive freedom.”
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The Chicago Abortion Fund (CAF) isn't just an organization; we're a movement. For 38 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. CAF has supported more than 15,000 clients since the Dobbs decision with over $5.4 million in aid.