Abortion Access and Contraception
Despite the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade, Illinois remains a sanctuary state for those in need of reproductive healthcare. If you or someone you know are in need of an abortion: you have options.
Insurance Confidentiality Concerns?
If you share an insurance plan with someone who you don’t want to know about your reproductive care (Guardian, spouse, etc.), call your insurance provider and ask that your coverage be hidden from the other person. Ask that the EOB (Explanation of benefits) be sent to only your email, and for it not visible on the insurance portal. Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself and your needs!
Student Wellness & Scheduling an Abortion
If you need an abortion, you have a number of options. First, read about the types of abortion and when you can have them here. Here is a list of clinics that can give you an abortion/refer you to a location that provides abortion services If you are a student at UChicago, you can go through Student Wellness to obtain a referral to UChicago Medicine or the Ryan Center for an abortion procedure. Make an appointment at 773-834-9355 or on my.WellnessPortal under “Medical”- “Gynecology”-”possible pregnancy”-”pregnancy”. While the Ryan Center is unable to publish information on their policies regarding USHIP and other insurance plans, they will provide information on the associated costs when you schedule an appointment with them at 773-834-9995. The costs are anticipated to be minimal if not zero. It may be helpful to schedule with multiple providers and inquire about associated costs to ensure you have an appointment, then cancel the ones you don’t need after choosing the best/most affordable option for you. If you do not have insurance or your insurance does not cover or cover enough for your abortion to make it affordable to you, PPIL (Planned Parenthood of Illinois) may be a more affordable option as they charge on a sliding scale.
Pregnancy + STI Testing
For UChicago students, free pregnancy and STI (blood & urine) tests are offered at Student Wellness. Over the counter pregnancy tests are offered at CVS, Target, and Jewel Osco. At home test results should be confirmed by a physician to be reliable. Accessible testing can also be done at planned parenthood (more info below) and at express clinics.
Supporting Abortion Access Locally
Chicago Abortion Fund (CAF) has a few different volunteer opportunities: students can volunteer on the hotline, host fundraisers (PRF fundraises for CAF every spring), follow up with grant recipients, complete data entry, and assist in special event coordination. If you’re interested, fill out this Google Form: https://forms.gle/zYF8MRz3tbDUKuef7. You can also become a clinic escort (or other volunteer) for Planned Parenthood. Abortion Access Fronts publishes a huge variety of events that people can attend to support abortion access. You can find the the Illinois-specific calendar here. Normalizing and destigmatizing contraception and abortion starts with you! It’s okay if you are unable to commit to a volunteer role. What matters is that you help spread information about access to reproductive care and support your friends, family, and those around you when they seek reproductive care.
Contraception
Are you interested in contraception? Here you can explore contraception options to find what’s best for you. If you are actively enrolled in a program of study at UChicago, you can get a free IUD or birth control implant, or make an appointment through my.WellnessPortal for prescription birth control. If you would prefer free or low-cost contraceptive services that are not affiliated with UChicago, there are a number of resources available as well. Click here for a comprehensive resource guide to contraception!
If you are in need of condoms and live in a UChicago dorm, your house should have free condoms and 10 mL lube packets available in the hallways, bathrooms, and/or house lounges. But these supplies are not always refilled when used up. Free condoms and lube packets are also available at the Student Wellness clinic area (840 East 59th St. Suite L1100 Chicago IL, 60637). CVS and Target on E. 53rd St., Jewel Osco on S. Cottage Grove Ave, Walgreens on 55th street, Midway Market [Next to Cathy Dining Commons] and Maroon Market [inside Bartlett Dining Commons] sell condoms as well.
