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January 22, 2023 would have been the 50th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade. But this year, instead of reflecting on progress, many are reflecting on tremendous setbacks to reproductive rights in the United States. By overturning Roe v. Wade via the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, the U.S. Supreme Court has imperiled significant health and economic gains that women—especially women of color and economically disadvantaged women—have made since 1973.  

While Illinois’ newly-signed Patient and Health Provider Act protects Illinois providers and out-of-state patients from legal attacks for procedures performed in Illinois, it is imperative that we continue the fight for bodily autonomy and comprehensive healthcare access across all states to increase accessibility for all people. In Illinois, clinics have reported a dramatic increase in out of state patients since Roe v. Wade was overturned: Out-of-state patients now make up approximately one-third of patients, compared to only 6% prior to the Supreme Court’s decision. This increase in patients is expected to have a direct impact on Illinoisans seeking abortion care, which could be a potentially life altering obstacle because abortion is a time-sensitive procedure.  Ensuring that everyone can get reproductive health care, including abortion, is part of addressing racial and economic injustice. Learn more about YWCA’s ongoing work advocating for reproductive justice and abortion access here. The YWCA has championed reproductive rights for more than 50 years. YWCA Metropolitan Chicago continues to stand proudly with our YWCA sisters across the country to ensure that every woman has access to comprehensive health care, including abortion and contraceptives.  Get involved in YWCA Metropolitan Chicago’s reproductive justice advocacy work by signing up for our monthly eNewsletter and Policy & Advocacy communications here.