Chicago Abortion Fund Celebrates a Monumental $1 Million Increased Commitment from the City of Chicago
Media Contact:
Eleanor Grano, Communications Manager, Chicago Abortion Fund
Email: eleanor@chicagoabortionfund.org (cc: info@chicagoabortionfund.org)
Phone: 312-219-1611
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CHICAGO, IL – September 26, 2023
The Chicago Abortion Fund (CAF) is thrilled to announce a monumental renewed grant of $1 million from the City of Chicago, a significant increase from the $250,000 initial Justice For All award introduced last year. The City's Justice for All initiative is aimed at addressing racial and gender disparities in abortion access for all people seeking abortion care in the city of Chicago.
"This isn't just funding; it's a lifeline. This investment is a bold statement from the City of Chicago and the Johnson administration affirming that they stand with us in this critical fight for reproductive justice and bodily autonomy," declared Megan Jeyifo, Executive Director of CAF. "This support will help thousands of people who need access to an abortion in Chicago. CAF will direct this funding to cover both appointment costs and logistical costs like hotel stays or bus, train, and plane tickets. This renewed funding isn't just a financial boost; it's a moral victory with an impact far beyond city limits. It shows that the City understands the mandate we have to support people accessing essential healthcare here in Chicago.”
According to the recent report by the Society for Family Planning, Illinois has seen an increase in demand for abortions in the tens of thousands. Illinois and Chicago serve as a crucial access point for those in states near and far with more restrictive laws.
“Let's be clear: the need for more support is dire. Illinois has become a bastion for abortion access – the state is no longer a regional access point, but a national access point for those seeking care,” explained Jeyifo. “A million dollars is a tremendous amount of money, but it will only scratch the surface of the surging demand in Chicago and in Illinois. In our state, abortion is legally protected healthcare, and our work as an abortion fund ensures that all people can actually access that care, regardless of who they are, where they are from, or how much money they have.”
Since the Dobbs ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022, CAF has heard from over 13,000 people seeking care. 3,600 of those people were able to access care here in Chicago – people who were based in over 29 states across the Midwest and beyond.
"We haven't turned away a single caller since 2019. Not one. That's the level of commitment we have to ensuring everyone gets the care they deserve," said Qudsiyyah Shariyf, CAF’s Deputy Director.
"We are fiercely committed to doing everything humanly possible to support 100% of the people who reach out to us but we need continued support and investments in our work," Shariyf stated. "This funding from the City is more than money; it's a beacon of hope for those who have nowhere else to turn."
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The Chicago Abortion Fund 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 13,000 clients since the Dobbs decision with over $3.7 million in aid.