Iowa Supreme Court Upholds 6-Week Abortion Ban
Media Contact:
Eleanor Grano, Communications Manager, Chicago Abortion Fund
Email: eleanor@chicagoabortionfund.org (cc: info@chicagoabortionfund.org)
Phone: 312-219-1611
CHICAGO, IL – June 28, 2024 —In a devastating blow to abortion rights, the Iowa Supreme Court has ruled to uphold the state's 6-week abortion ban. This decision marks a significant setback for abortion access in Iowa, and will force many to seek care in neighboring states, including Illinois.
Megan Jeyifo, Executive Director of the Chicago Abortion Fund (CAF), issued the following statement:
"This ruling is another devastating blow for the midwest, and heartbreaking for our neighbors in Iowa. These decisions, like all abortion bans and restrictions, disproportionately harm systemically oppressed communities, including people of color, people with low incomes, and people living in rural areas.
The Chicago Abortion Fund, in partnership with our colleagues at the Iowa Abortion Access Fund, is committed to ensuring that anyone forced to travel out of Iowa receives the comprehensive support and resources they need in Illinois. We will not stop working until all people have access to the abortion care they want, need, and deserve.”
The impact of the ban will be felt immediately:
Increase in Patients to Illinois: Illinois abortion clinics, including CAF, anticipate a surge in patients from Iowa. CAF has already observed a dramatic rise in out-of-state callers. According to the NY Times, 37,300 people traveled to Illinois for abortion in 2023.
No Increase in Wait Times at Illinois Clinics: Despite the influx, Illinois clinics are working diligently to prevent increased wait times. Proactive measures, including hiring additional staff, have been taken to ensure care remains available to all. Chicago Abortion Fund has relationships with every clinic in the state and can help navigate people to the best clinic for their particular needs, keeping wait times and resource availability top of mind.
Infrastructure and Support Systems: CAF's CARLA program, in partnership with four major Chicago hospitals, is prepared to support patients needing complex hospital-based care. The lack of legal clarity on access to emergency abortion care under EMTALA could increase the number of Iowans forced to cross state lines for emergency abortion care.
"In 2023, CAF supported over 13,000 people, with more than 673 requiring complex hospital-based abortion care through our CARLA program. This ruling will continue to increase these numbers and impact our healthcare system further," Jeyifo added.
Partnership with Iowa Abortion Access Fund: CAF is in partnership with the Iowa Abortion Access Fund to support Iowa callers who have lost access to abortion in their home state and will now need to leave the state for care.
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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. Since the Dobbs decision, CAF has fielded 20,000 support requests and distributed close to $7 million in direct assistance.