Illinois Abortion Safety Checklist
Abortion Safety
Your health and well-being are paramount. Your local Illinois pregnancy center understands that this is your pregnancy, your future, and ultimately, your choice. Their commitment is to support and empower you, ensuring you have all the necessary information to make a decision you feel confident about.
If you find yourself uncertain or have questions, we warmly invite you to speak with their knowledgeable staff or medical team.
Considering an Abortion?
Follow Our Abortion Safety Checklist:
1. Confirm Your Pregnancy
A standard pregnancy test does not provide a complete confirmation of pregnancy. An ultrasound, which an Illinois pregnancy center provides at no cost, will confirm the presence of a pregnancy within the uterus and determine its stage. This is essential as it affects the types of abortion procedures available to you.
2. Understand the Risks
Like any medical intervention, abortions carry their own set of risks, both immediate and long-term. We recommend discussing these with our medical professionals to fully understand the potential impacts on your health.
3. Consider All Alternatives
Making an informed decision involves exploring every available option—abortion, adoption, or parenting. This choice is deeply personal, and taking the time to consider all possibilities will equip you with the assurance to make the best decision for yourself.
4. Get Tested for STDs/STIs
Undergoing an abortion with an untreated STD/STI can increase the risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which may lead to future infertility or chronic pain. We offer free referrals for comprehensive STD/STI testing and treatment to safeguard your health.
5. Take a Moment to Reflect
When faced with a significant decision, it’s beneficial to pause and reflect on your feelings and concerns. Visit your local Illinois pregnancy clinic to discuss your thoughts and questions, ensuring you are fully prepared to make an informed choice about your pregnancy.
Questions For You
Question: Has your pregnancy been medically confirmed?
Answer: Even if you’ve had a positive pregnancy test, you will need an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy, determine how far along you are, and rule out an ectopic or tubal pregnancy. As many as 1 in 4 pregnancies end in a natural miscarriage, and more than 80% of miscarriages occur in the first three months of pregnancy.
Question: Are you aware of which abortion procedure is appropriate for you?
Answer: Consider all your options. At your local pregnancy center you can receive a pre-abortion screening at no-cost by a medical professional.
Question: Do you understand the details of the abortion procedure and what to expect afterwards?
cnswer: At your local pregnancy Center you can receive a pre-abortion screening at no-cost by a medical professional.
Question: Are you informed about the possible physical and emotional risks and complications associated with the abortion procedure?
Answer: You deserve to be informed with all the facts. At your local pregnancy center you can receive a pre-abortion screening at no-cost by a medical professional.
Question: Does the clinic you have chosen commit to providing care for any complications that may arise?
Answer: Remember, you are not alone in navigating this decision. We encourage you to take the time you need to consider all aspects of your choice. If you have any questions, need more information, or simply wish to talk to someone who understands, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Question: Do you know that it is completely acceptable to change your mind?
Answer: Many women who have experienced abortion relate that they felt they could not change their mind once they had entered the facility. Others say that they waited on the table to be “rescued” by the baby’s father at the last minute. Some facilities even told the women that they couldn’t get their money back if they changed their mind, which is not legal.
Abortion providers understand this choice is a difficult decision and can work to encourage you to abort even as they say, “I simply can’t do this!” Know your rights. Don’t be pressured or intimidated, particularly by the clinic staff. If you are not sure about your abortion decision, you can change your mind. If the procedure is not performed, demand your money back.
Question: Have there been any legal actions against the clinic or its physicians?
Answer: Abortion is legal in the United States, but bad medical care is not. Women have died as a result of their “safe and legal abortions.” Some have had their bodies harmed to the point that they can no longer have children. Be sure and do your research.
Question: Is a licensed physician required to perform a surgical abortion?
Answer: Yes, only a licensed physician can perform an abortion, regardless of the type of abortion or the facility where it takes place.
Question: When was your last STD/STI test?
Answer: An untreated infection can cause complications if not treated before an abortion. Many local pregnancy centersoffers free STI testing.
Question: Have you received information about the abortion pill and surgical abortion options?
Answer: Pregnancy centers are committed to ensuring that your decision is an empowered one, rooted in full awareness and understanding. During your initial visit, they will provide detailed information about the various types of abortion procedures and thoroughly discuss all your pregnancy options with you.
Question: Are you aware of the complications related to the abortion procedure and emotional aftereffects?
Answer: Your local pregnancy center offers complimentary medical consultations with one of their nurses during your ultrasound exam. This session gives you the opportunity to discuss your health history, address any concerns about potential complications or side effects, and openly talk about your feelings regarding the abortion process. We encourage you to take the time needed to ensure you are fully informed and supported.
Question: Do you feel any external pressure to proceed with an abortion?
Answer: It is against the law for anyone to force you to have an abortion. Not even a husband or parent can require you to undergo an abortion against your will, even if you are a minor (under 18 years old). Pregnancy centers exist to help you in any circumstance. They can even help you discuss this choice with those closest to you that are influencing your decision.
Illinois Pregnancy Centers
Illinois pregnancy centers are located in all major cities including Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, Joliet, Rockford, Springfield, Elgin, Peoria, Champaign, Waukegan, and even many smaller cities.
Most Illinois pregnancy centers listed offer free and confidential services including medical grade pregnancy tests and ultrasound exams.
Waterleaf Women's Center
3055 E New York St
Aurora, IL 60504
331-260-0947
Living Alternatives
127 N. Williamsburg Dr
Bloomington, IL 61704
309-454-5433
River Valley PRC
200 N. Washington Avenue
Bradley, IL 60915
815-802-9917
Spoon River Pregnancy Resource Center
121 N. Main
Canton, IL 61520
309-435-7130
Clarity Women's Care
241 S. Lewis Lane
Carbondale, IL 62902
618-549-2794
Aid for Women
2015 W. Main Street
Carbonedale, IL 62901
618 503-0600
Pregnancy Help Center
226 N Walnut
Carmi, IL 62821
618-383-6640
Tri-State Family Services
603 Walnut Street
Carthage, IL 62321
217-357-3343
Choices Pregnancy & Health Center
502 E. Delaware Ave
Casey, IL 62420
217-932-5900
Pregnancy Care Clinic
319 E. Seventh
Centralia, IL 62801
618-532-3111
Living Alternatives
205 Wilber Avenue
Champaign, IL 61824
217-398-6511
Aid for Women
8 S Michigan Ave Ste 1100
Chicago, IL 60603
312-765-7870
Caris Pregnancy Counseling & Resources
111 N. Wabash Avenue (The Garland Bldg.) Ste 1510
Chicago, IL 60602
312-229-5700
The Women's Center
5116 N Cicero Ave Ste 301
Chicago, IL 60630
773-283-1400
Aid for Women
6145 N. Broadway
Chicago, IL 60660
312 621-1100
Pregnancy Aid Illionis
5501 S. LaSalle Street
Chicago, IL 60621
708-614-9777
Aid for Women
1400 S. Austin Blvd.
Cicero, IL 60804
708 477-3040
Informed Choices Pregnancy & Parenting Services
601-1 Crystal Point Drive
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
224-505-8565
Women's Care Clinic
1509 N. Bowman Ave
Danville, IL 61832
217-431-0987
Avenue Women's Center
2849 83rd St
Darien, IL 60561
630-382-8147
New Life Pregnancy Center
1698 E. Pershing
Decatur, IL 62526
217 872-5555
We Care Pregnancy Center
403 N 5th St
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-748-4242
Family Life Center
605 Eden Ave
Effingham, IL 62401
217 342-5433
Life Choices Pregnancy Services
825 Dundee Ave Ste. D
Elgin, IL 60120
847-289-1235
Avenue Women's Center
580 N. Michigan St
Elmhurst, IL 60126
630-382-8147
Women's Center
9730 S Western Ste 318
Evergreen Park, IL 60805
708-425-0707
Southside Women's Services
3759 W. 95th Street
Evergreen Park, IL 60805
708-325-8765
Compassion Pregnancy Care Center
2615 Andrew Drove
Fairfiled, IL 62837
618-842-2525
Mosaic Health
5016 N. Illinois St, Suite A
Fairview Heights, IL 62208
618-355-9977
Jabez Pregnancy Center
200 North Olive
Flora, IL 62839
618-599-6511
Aid for Women
3347 Vollmer Rd
Flossmoor, IL 60422
708 794-0570
Living Alternatives
1746 E. Wabash St
Frankfort, IL 76041
765-659-2444
Ridgeway Women's Clinic
1255 W. Empire
Freeport, IL 61032
815-261-9660
Avenues Women's Center
1200 Roosevelt Road Suite 101
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
630-382-8147
ThriVe Metro East
4854 N Alby Rd
Godfrey, IL 62035
618-466-1690
Mosaic Pregnancy and Health Center
2019 Johnson Rd
Granite City, IL 62040
618-451-2002
Informed Choices Pregnancy & Parenting Svcs
888 E. Belvidere Road Unit 124
Grayslake, IL 60030
224-505-8565
Bond County Pregnancy Support Center
116 S. Second
Greenville, IL 62246
618-664-3799
Aid for Women
4606 W Old Grand Avenue #4
Gurnee, IL 60031
847-249-2700
Relevant Pregnancy Options Center
2653 Plaza Drive
Highland, IL 62249
618-654-3732
Lighthouse Pregnancy Center
214 S. Main Ste A
Hillsboro, IL 62049
217-532-2241
Living Alternatives
1440 W. Walnut, Suite A-3
Jacksonville, IL 62651
217-245-9340
1st Way Pregnancy Support Services
3714 Fairview Avenue
Johnsburg, IL 60051
815-385-2999
903 N. 129th Infantry Dr #600
Joliet, IL 60435
815-744-7755
Pregnancy Aid South Suburbs (PASS)
3116 Ridge Road
Lansing, IL 60438
708-614-9777
Living Alternatives
308 N. Union Street
Lincoln, IL 62656
217-735-4838
Ridgeway Women's Clinic
6120 E. Riverside Blvd
Loves Park, IL 61111
815-261-9066
Clarity Women's Care
808 W. Prairie Street
Marion, IL 62902
618-997-2790
A Beacon of Light Preg. Help Ctr
6201 W. Main St., Suite 150
Marysville, IL 62062
618-855-9774
Choices Pregnancy & Health Center
105 N. 10th Street Suite 3
Mattoon, IL 61938
217-234-3312
Abigail Women's Clinic
1610 Stroble Avenue
Mendota, IL 61342
815-538-3044
Hope Unlimited Family Care Center
305 Lincoln Street
Metropolis, IL 62960
618-524-5730
CPC Pregnancy Resources
3825 16th St.
Moline, IL 61265
309-797-3636
Living Alternatives
1802 N. Division Street, Suite 303
Morris, IL 60450
815-709-0920
Hope Pregnancy & Resource Center
201 E. 9th Street
Mt. Carmel, IL 62863
618-262-2636
Pregnancy Aid
111 S. Lincolnway, Suite B
N. Aurora, IL 60542
708-614-9777
Family Life Center
301 S. Jackson St
Newton, IL 62448
618-783-5433
Life Choices Pregnancy Services
855 E. Palatine Rd #230
Palatine, IL 60074
847-496-5944
Loving Arms Pregnancy Center
201 S. Locust Street
Pana, IL 62557
217-824-7200
Choices Pregnancy & Health Center
210 N. High Street
Paris, IL 61944
217-463-7800
Living Alternatives
3223 Griffin Ave
Pekin, IL 61554
309-620-9227
Empower Life Center
1825 N Knoxville Ave
Peoria, IL 61603
309-688-0202
Caring Pregnancy Center
202 N Main
Pontiac, IL 61764
815-842-2484
CareNet Pregnancy Services of Quincy
802 State Street
Quincy, IL 62301
217-223-8200
Life Network
324 N. Main Street
Red Bud, IL 62298
618-282-4225
Gianna's House Pregnancy Resource Center
700 10th Avenue
Rock Falls, IL 61071
815-625-6520
Rockford Area Pregnancy Care Center
4108 Morsay Drive
Rockford, IL 61107
815-997-1200
Aid to Women
1235 N. Mulford
Rockford, IL 61107
815 633-2500
Pregnancy Resource Center
213 W. Washington
Rushville, IL 62681
217-322-2700
Pregnancy Care Clinic
302 N. Walnut
Salem, IL 62881
618 548-3111
Life Choices Pregnancy Services
127 S. Roselle Road
Schaumburg, IL 60193
630-339-3660
Family Life Pregnancy Care
225 E. South First Street
Shelbyville, IL 62565
217-774-4874
Fox Valley Pregnancy Center
101 E State St
South Elgin, IL 60177
847-697-0200
Pregnancy Aid South Suburbs (PASS)
613 E 162nd St
South Holland, IL 60473
708-614-9777
Sparta Crisis Pregnancy Center
121 N Vine St
Sparta, IL 62286
618-443-4935
First Step Women's Center
215 S. Grand Ave W
Springfield, IL 62704
217-523-0100
Pregnancy Care Center of Springfield
700 N. 7th Street, Suite B
Springfield, IL 62702
217-525-5630
Loving Arms PC
500 N. Walnut
Taylorville, IL 62568
217-824-7200
Pregnancy Aid South Suburbs (PASS)
17214 Oak Park Ave
Tinley Park, IL 60477
708-614-9777
Lighthouse Pregnancy & Health Svcs
1703 W. Fletcher
Vandalia, IL 62471
618 283-8750
Life Network of Southern Illinois
722 N. Market St.
Waterloo, IL 62298
618 939-4224
Aid to women
1334 N. Lewis Ave
Waukegan, IL 60084
847 596-8055
Avenue Women's Center
440 E. Roosevelt Rd. Suite 106
West Chicago, IL 60137
630-382-8147
Aid for Women
115 N. Wolf Road
Wheeling, IL 60090
847 376-3800
Avenues Women's Center
132 E Irving Park Rd
Wood Dale, IL 60191
630-382-8147
Family Resource Center of Zion
3452 Sheridan Road
Zion, IL 60099
847-731-8360
Illinois, is located in the Midwestern United States and is known for its vibrant cities, diverse economy, and significant historical and cultural contributions. Chicago, its largest city, is a major cultural and economic hub. Illinois features a mix of urban areas, agricultural land, and natural landscapes, including the Great Lakes shoreline and the Mississippi River. As of 2022, the population of Illinois is projected to be 12.58 million. Universities in Illinois include: University of Illinois, Illinois State University, and many other colleges and universities. The capital is Springfield, Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Do I need an appointment?
Answer: Walk-ins are welcome. However, it is best to make an appointment to minimize your office wait time.
Question: What is the cost?
Answer: All services are free and confidential.
Question: What should I expect when I come for my visit?
Answer: Upon your arrival, a friendly receptionist will guide you to meet your client advocate. This advocate will offer you a judgment-free space to talk, followed by essential information and a pregnancy test. In the event of a positive test result, a dedicated medical professional will perform a limited ultrasound to verify the pregnancy's viability and estimate the age of the fetus.
Question: How long after sex does it take for a pregnancy test to work and how accurate is the test?
Answer: Pregnancy tests can be performed 7 to 10 days after conception. A client with a negative result may be invited to return within 2 weeks for a repeat test if she has not had her period.
If you have taken a home pregnancy test, you may want to confirm results with a laboratory-quality test at your local pregnancy center. These pregnancy tests detect HCg levels within 7 to 10 after conception.
Question: Will you tell anyone about my visit?
Answer: Pregnancy centers maintain a rigorous privacy and confidentiality policy. Clients' information is safeguarded against unauthorized disclosure, respecting their right to privacy, except in instances mandated by law. This includes situations necessary for public health, preventing harm to the client or others, or in specific circumstances where the use or disclosure of information is justified without prior consent, such as in cases of abuse reporting or suicide/homicide prevention.
Question: When should I schedule an appointment?
Answer: High-quality, medical-grade pregnancy tests are capable of detecting pregnancy from the first day after your initial missed period. We advise scheduling an appointment if you've missed a period, have any queries related to pregnancy, or suspect that you might be pregnant.
Question: How far along do I have to be to get a free ultrasound?
Answer: After an initial consultation with a client advocate, many pregnancy centers offer on-site ultrasound scans. These limited ultrasounds are conducted by a licensed nurse sonographer or a registered diagnostic medical sonographer (RDMS) and are subsequently reviewed by a licensed physician. The purpose of an ultrasound is to confirm the viability of the pregnancy and to establish the gestational age.
Question: I already know I'm pregnant and I want an abortion, what's next?
Answer: It is advisable to have an ultrasound to confirm the viability of your pregnancy and to ensure it is located within the uterus, as 20% to 25% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. Moreover, the ultrasound helps in determining the stage of your pregnancy, which is essential in making an informed decision about the type of abortion procedure you may consider. Many pregnancy centers offer a limited ultrasound free of charge.