Many Illinois residents believe their abortion rights and access are “Trump proof,” thanks to many years of legislative victories in Springfield. It’s true that Springfield has put important protections into place in recent years, such as the Reproductive Health Act, the expansion of Medicaid and private insurance coverage for abortion care, and protections for patients and providers from criminalization. But the scary truth is, our rights remain at risk with Donald Trump in the White House with control over the Supreme Court and both the House and Senate.
If you are like 75% of other Illinois residents and believe the decision to have an abortion should be between a patient and their health care provider, you must remain vigilant and active in this moment.
Here are three things to watch for that could signal abortion restrictions that would impact us in Illinois:
First, contrary to talk on the campaign trail, President Trump wouldn’t need to sign a nationwide abortion ban to meaningfully restrict access — including in Illinois. His cabinet can do the “dirty work” for him. One of the many ways Trump could enact a national ban is by directing the Department of Justice to enforce an obscure existing law called the Comstock Act, passed in 1873, that could drastically restrict access to the tools needed to provide abortions and other pregnancy care. That could include mifepristone, one of two drugs used in medication abortions and miscarriage management, and it could also even affect access to standard medical supplies used for all types of procedures.
Second, despite increased abortion bans around the country, more people are accessing abortion since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade. One factor for the increase is the FDA’s updated 2021 guidance allowing medication abortion via telehealth. Trump could direct the FDA to rescind that guidance in addition to removing other regulations on medication abortion, or he can revoke approval of medication abortion drugs entirely. Nearly two-thirds of abortions provided in the American health care system are medication abortions.
Finally, we know not to take Trump at his word; he’s flip-flopped on countless issues, including abortion — but it’s important to listen to the words he uses. When he, or any anti-abortion operative, uses words such as “standards, reasonable limits/restrictions, and consensus,” you should interpret it all to mean abortion bans — medically unnecessary restrictions that allow the government to interfere with pregnancy decisions and outcomes. A “reasonable limit” under the Trump administration could mean a 20-week ban, or a 15-week ban, or even a six-week ban. But the truth is, no abortion ban is “reasonable” — and every restriction on abortion access is dangerous, because every pregnancy is unique.
While these threats are scary, now is not the time to despair. We abortion advocates have a lot of work to do to protect patients and providers in Illinois and the surrounding areas. If you’re looking for steps you can take, the first action item for your to-do list is to find an organization to join. You can also support expanding rights and access in our neighboring states. In April, a Wisconsin election will determine the direction of the state Supreme Court, and abortion rights in that state hang in the balance. Judge Susan Crawford, who supports abortion rights and even once represented Planned Parenthood, is running against conservative Judge Brad Schimel. Illinois residents can donate to Crawford’s campaign, or head up to Wisconsin to volunteer and knock on doors leading up to the April 1 election.
In Indiana, we have even more work to do. Many of Indiana’s 2024 pro-abortion rights candidates lost their elections. In a deep red state like this, people seeking abortions often travel to Illinois. Organizations such as the Our Choice Coalition are playing a long game, working to build a foundation for abortion rights advocacy from the ground up, and they need support if we’re ever going to have a shot at changing course there.
We are heading into an incredibly hard time for sexual and reproductive health care access. But in times like this, we’ve made great progress by coming together, organizing and fighting back. These days are no different. Despair is not a strategy. Long-term success depends on all of us.
Sarah Garza Resnick is the CEO of Personal PAC.
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