Wisconsin Supreme Court Election Results Paves Path to Overturning 1849 Abortion Ban—But Barriers Will Still Force Abortion Seekers to Illinois
Media Contact:
Eleanor Grano, Communications Manager, Chicago Abortion Fund
Email: communications@chicagoabortionfund.org
Phone: 312-219-1611
CHICAGO, IL — April 2, 2025 — Following the outcome of the April 1st Wisconsin Supreme Court election, the state is on track to permanently overturn its 1849 abortion ban in a highly anticipated ruling expected in June 2025. The ban was blocked in September 2023 after a 15-month enforcement period and abortion remains legal in the state.
This outcome marks a critical victory for legal abortion rights in Wisconsin. But for abortion seekers, legality does not always equal access.
"The outcome of the Wisconsin Supreme Court election is a huge relief, but it doesn’t change the reality that many Wisconsinites still have to leave their state to access life-affirming, and often, life-saving abortion care," said Megan Jeyifo, Executive Director of CAF. "People assume that if abortion is legal, it’s accessible—but that’s not the case for many in Wisconsin, and the growing numbers of people traveling to Illinois from Wisconsin illustrate this clearly."
Why Abortion Seekers Will Still Travel to Illinois for Care
Even with the 1849 abortion ban currently blocked and expected to be overturned in June, many people in Wisconsin will still continue to face major barriers in accessing care, including:
Limited Abortion Providers & Capacity: Wisconsin has only four abortion clinics, leading to weeks-long wait times that push people to seek care out of state.
State Abortion Restrictions: Mandatory waiting periods, ultrasound requirements, and parental consent laws make it especially difficult for minors and low-income people to get care quickly.
Financial & Logistical Burdens: Many rural Wisconsinites live hundreds of miles from the nearest abortion clinic, forcing them to pay for travel, lodging, and childcare, all while losing income due to taking time off work.
CAF’s Role in Supporting Abortion Seekers from Wisconsin
CAF, in partnership with the Wisconsin Abortion Fund, continues to support people traveling in Wisconsin and across state lines for care:
According to the Guttmacher Institute, 5,210 Wisconsinites sought abortion care in Illinois in 2023.
Since the Dobbs decision, monthly call volume on the CAF helpline from Wisconsin has increased by 394%.
The average number of monthly callers from Wisconsin rose from 18 pre-Dobbs, to 67 during the ban, to nearly 100 since abortion was restored.
“CAF will continue working side-by-side with the Wisconsin Abortion Fund to remove barriers and support anyone who needs care,” said Jeyifo. “But we need real, systemic solutions to ensure that abortion isn’t just legal on paper, but that it is something all people are able to access, like any other basic healthcare.”
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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 16,000 support requests and distributed over $5 million in direct assistance.