Abortion Access for Undocumented Immigrants and DACA Recipients in Illinois

1. What are the rights of undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients to access abortion care in Illinois?


Undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients living in Illinois have the same rights as all U.S. citizens when it comes to accessing abortion care. They are allowed to access the same services that are available to other patients, including pregnancy termination services, counseling, pre- and post-procedure care, and financial assistance programs. Illinois Medicaid covers abortion services for undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients. Additionally, Illinois has passed a law that requires all insurance plans to include coverage for abortion services. There are also several non-profit organizations that can provide assistance to undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients who need help paying for an abortion.

2. Does Illinois allow undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients to use state funds for abortion care?


No, Illinois does not allow undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients to use state funds for abortion care. However, in 2021, the Illinois legislature passed the Reproductive Health Act, which allows undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients to use private insurance plans purchased through the Affordable Care Act to cover abortion care.

3. Are reproductive health services available to undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients in Illinois?


Yes, reproductive health services are available to undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients in Illinois. In particular, the Illinois Department of Public Health provides access to prenatal care, family planning services, and STD testing and treatment to undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients. Additionally, the Chicago Family Health Center offers reproductive health services to individuals regardless of immigration status.

4. How does Illinois limit the access of undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients to abortion care?


Illinois does not limit the access of undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients to abortion care. The Illinois Reproductive Health Act, which was passed in 2019, protects the rights of all individuals to terminate a pregnancy without fear of criminal or civil penalties. This includes protection for those without citizenship or documented status.

5. Does Illinois offer any exemptions to the restrictions on access to abortion care for undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients?


No, Illinois does not currently offer any exemptions to the restrictions on access to abortion care for undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients. However, there are several organizations that provide resources and support for immigrants in Illinois seeking reproductive health care, including abortion services. These organizations include the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health, Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, and the Chicago Abortion Fund.

6. What legal support is available in Illinois for undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients seeking abortion care?


In Illinois, undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients seeking abortion care have access to the same legal protections as other people in the state. The Illinois Supreme Court has affirmed the right of all pregnant people to access abortion care without regard to immigration or citizenship status. In addition, the state has enacted legislation that provides for state-funded coverage of abortion for Medicaid recipients, regardless of immigration or citizenship status. Additionally, the Illinois Office of Refugee and Immigrant Services offers free legal services to non-citizens who may be facing barriers in accessing healthcare services.

7. What policies are in place to protect the safety of undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients seeking abortion care in Illinois?


In Illinois, state law prohibits discrimination against individuals seeking abortion care based on their immigration status. Healthcare providers are also protected from legal action for providing care to undocumented immigrants in accordance with the Illinois Equal Access to Abortion Act. In addition, the Illinois Department of Human Services provides support to low-income and undocumented immigrants seeking family planning services, including abortion care. Further, the Illinois Reproductive Health and Access Act ensures that all insurance plans in Illinois—including Medicaid—provide coverage for medically necessary abortion care. Finally, the state has enacted the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) law, which ensures that all individuals, regardless of immigration status, can access healthcare and reproductive health services without interference or fear of violence or harassment.

8. Does Illinois require parental consent for minors seeking abortion care who are undocumented immigrants or DACA recipients?


No, Illinois does not require parental consent for minors seeking abortion care who are undocumented immigrants or DACA recipients. The state of Illinois allows minors to access abortion care without parental consent or notification.

9. Is there a state-level funding source available in Illinois that is accessible to undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients seeking abortion care?


No, there is no state-level funding source available in Illinois that is accessible to undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients seeking abortion care. However, the Illinois Department of Human Services does provide financial assistance for healthcare services through its Medical Programs for persons who are ineligible for other public health benefits due to their immigration status. This program does not cover abortion, however.

10. Does Illinois provide any additional financial assistance for undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients seeking abortion care?


No. As of June 2020, Illinois does not provide any financial assistance for undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients seeking abortion care.

11. Are there any public awareness campaigns in Illinois about the rights of undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients to access abortion care?


Yes, there are public awareness campaigns in Illinois about the rights of undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients to access abortion care. The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) is one organization leading such a campaign. ICIRR provides information, resources, and advocacy on the issue of immigrant and refugee rights, including access to reproductive health care for undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients. Additionally, the Illinois Immigration Forum is another group providing comprehensive information and advocacy for immigrant rights, including access to reproductive health care.

12. Are there any programs or organizations in Illinois that provide support to undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients seeking abortion care?


Yes. The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights facilitates access to abortion care for undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients through its program, Access for All. The program connects patients with a network of clinics and providers, and provides financial assistance for abortion services.

13. Are there any laws or regulations in Illinois that prohibit or restrict access to abortion care for undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients?


Yes. In Illinois, there are laws and regulations that restrict access to abortion care for undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients. Under Illinois law, only individuals with a valid Illinois driver’s license or state ID card can receive abortion care at a licensed health center. This means that undocumented immigrants or DACA recipients do not have access to the same abortion care options as other Illinois residents. Additionally, Medicaid does not cover abortion care for undocumented immigrants or DACA recipients in Illinois.

14. Does Illinois offer any programs or services that help reduce the financial burden of accessing abortion care for undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients?


Yes, Illinois offers a program called the Family Planning Benefit Program (FPBP). This program provides free or low-cost family planning services, including abortion care, to low-income individuals who are not eligible for other government programs. These services are available to undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients. The FPBP is administered by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services.

15. Are there any mental health resources available in Illinois for undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients who have had an abortion?


Yes. The Illinois Department of Human Services’ Immigrant Support Services Program provides free or low-cost mental health services, including counseling, support groups and other services, to undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients in the state. Additionally, the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health has a network of mental health providers that provide abortion-related counseling and support to women of color, including undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients.

16. Does Illinois have any measures in place to reduce the stigma associated with accessing abortion care for undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients?


The state of Illinois has created a regulation that prohibits hospitals from denying access to abortions based on immigration status. The regulation also requires hospitals to provide language assistance services to immigrants, so that they can better understand their rights and healthcare options. Additionally, the state has put into place measures to ensure that costs associated with abortion care for undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients are covered by Medicaid.

17. Is there a state-level appeals process available in Illinois for undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients who have been denied access to abortion care?


Yes, undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients who have been denied access to abortion care in Illinois can appeal at the state level. According to the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, appeals for denied abortion care must be filed with the Illinois Department of Public Aid within 60 days of the denied care. This can be done by mail, fax, or online.

18. Does Illinois provide any legal protections for healthcare providers who serve undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients seeking abortion care?


Yes, Illinois provides legal protections for healthcare providers who serve undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients seeking abortion care. The Equal Protection Clause of the Illinois Constitution protects all persons in the state, regardless of immigration status. Under this Clause, state and local government agencies must provide these patients with the same access to healthcare services as those with legal status. Additionally, the Illinois Health Care Right of Conscience Act prohibits hospitals, health care professionals, and other institutions from discriminating against patients based on their immigration status or ability to pay. This includes providing access to abortion services to undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients.

19. Are there any state-level educational initiatives in Illinois that promote awareness of the rights of undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients to access abortion care?


Yes. The Illinois Governor’s Office has created the Supportive Immigration Legal Services Program, which provides free legal services to immigrants in the State. The program is designed to inform eligible immigrants about their legal rights, including their right to access abortion services. The program also provides educational resources about the rights of undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients.

20. Does Illinois have any requirements or restrictions on the provision of information about abortion care to undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients?


No, Illinois does not have any requirements or restrictions on the provision of information about abortion care to undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients. However, it is important to note that undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients are not eligible for publicly-funded health care services in Illinois, except in cases of emergency.