Impact of Midwestern Abortion Bans on Healthcare Access
Recent findings from Midwest abortion funds highlight the far-reaching effects of state-level abortion bans, indicating that such policies not only impact residents of the states implementing them but also have significant consequences for neighboring states.
Cross-Border Travel for Care
Since Iowa’s six-week abortion ban was enacted in July 2024, there has been a notable increase in the number of residents traveling to neighboring states for abortion services. The Chicago Abortion Fund reports that over 130 Iowans sought abortion care in Minnesota, while many also traveled to Nebraska and Illinois. This influx has strained an already limited network of clinics, with providers in Nebraska, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Kansas noting extended wait times for appointments.
- 130 Iowans traveled to Minnesota.
- 84 sought care in Nebraska.
- 47 traveled to Illinois.
With the availability of timely appointments dwindling, some Iowans are compelled to journey even farther to access care, contributing to delays that could leave some individuals with the difficult choice of carrying an unwanted pregnancy to term.
Strain on Resources and Patient Support
As patient numbers rise, so too do the demands on abortion funds. According to the Chicago Abortion Fund, requests for financial assistance from Iowans have surged by 222% since the implementation of the six-week ban. In August 2024 alone, the fund allocated over $7,139 for patient support, demonstrating a stark increase from the $2,536 provided in June 2024.
The Iowa Abortion Access Fund has similarly observed a 21% uptick in the number of individuals requiring financial assistance compared to the period before the Roe v. Wade decision was overturned. This clearly illustrates the increased financial burden on those seeking abortion care in Iowa.
Impact on Patient Demographics
Shayla Walker, Executive Director of Our Justice, an abortion fund in Minnesota, noted that following the ban’s enactment, their organization has seen an average of 18 patients per month from Iowa, with associated costs rising to around $54,800. Before the ban, the monthly average was significantly lower.
Walker also pointed out that the disparities in access can have serious implications for marginalized communities, including Black individuals, queer individuals, and those living with disabilities who might face greater barriers in accessing necessary healthcare.
Changes in Clinic Availability
Currently, Iowa is left with only two clinics providing abortion care: a Planned Parenthood facility in Ames and the Emma Goldman Clinic in Iowa City. Prior to the ban, five clinics were operational. Reports from the Guttmacher Institute indicate that in 2023, medication accounted for 76% of all abortions performed in Iowa, which suggests a rising trend towards online providers for medication abortions in response to the dwindling number of brick-and-mortar clinics.
As Isabel DoCampo, a Senior Research Associate at the Guttmacher Institute, indicated, the evolving landscape of abortion care may necessitate a greater reliance on telemedicine as local clinic options diminish under restrictive policies.
Continued Advocacy and Support
In light of these challenges, Megan Jeyifo, the Executive Director of the Chicago Abortion Fund, emphasized the organization’s commitment to addressing barriers faced by abortion seekers. “In just the last year, we’ve handled over 16,000 support requests and distributed $5 million in direct assistance, the most in our 40-year history,” Jeyifo stated. “This is what abortion funds do: We step up, we organize, and we make sure people get the care they want, need, and deserve.”
Jeyifo highlighted the collaborative effort among abortion funds across state lines, noting, “Access to abortion is not just about laws, it’s about the people who need care right now. No matter the barriers, we will find a way.” This spirit of resilience is crucial as Midwestern states navigate the challenges posed by restrictive abortion legislation.
