Illinois abortion laws are more favorable to pro-choice advocates than those of many states in the nation.
The group NARAL Pro-Choice American gave Illinois a B grade for abortion choice, but it noted that 92 percent of Illinois counties have no abortion clinics. The organization called current Gov. Bruce Rauner and the Illinois House "mixed-choice," while labeling the Illinois Senate as pro-choice.
Americans United for Life ranked Illinois at No. 24, saying the state “provides minimal protection for women considering abortion, failing to maintain even an informed consent law.”
Vote Now: Do You Support Tougher Regulations on Abortion Clinics?
In 2011, the Illinois abortion rate was 15.8 compared to a national abortion rate of 13.9,
according to Abort73.com.
Minors in Illinois are required to give parental notification, but parental consent is not required for an abortion.
Illinois law prohibits abortion when a fetus is considered medically viable, at 23 to 24 weeks,
according to the University of Chicago.
The state also has banned partial birth abortion, but the University of Chicago said that law is not enforceable.
Illinois requires that abortions be performed by licensed physicians. Other advance practice clinicians may write prescriptions for medication abortions. Health providers may decline to perform abortions under the Illinois Health Care Right of Conscience Act, which said "health professionals and organizations cannot be discriminated against, coerced or punished civilly or criminally if they choose not to offer a health or medical service because of their conscientious convictions," according to the University of Chicago.
Urgent: How Do You Feel About Stronger Regulations on Abortion Clinics?
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.