Crossing state lines: traveling for abortion care in post-Dobbs southern Kentucky

With Kentucky’s abortion ban in effect, pregnant patients can’t get an abortion in the state unless their lives are at risk and that’s forcing some to seek care elsewhere. This is the new reality following the U.S. Supreme Court "Dobbs" decision, which overturned the landmark 1973 Roe vs. Wade ruling that legalized abortion. Out of Kentucky’s seven bordering states, Illinois is one that has guaranteed abortion protections. In Virginia, there are currently no codified abortion protections, but the procedure is still legal.

Finding A Clinic

Many journeys start with finding a provider, like someone would do with any other medical procedure or service. Only this time, people may not feel uncomfortable asking for recommendations from their friends, family, colleagues, or even a doctor depending on where they live. I started researching which out-of-state providers still offered abortion services and it seemed straight forward at first. I typed in “nearest abortion clinic”, thinking that I’d be shown the closest clinic to south central Kentucky. The first clinic on the list was called Pregnancy Matters. The website was quite inviting, but Pregnancy Matters turned out to be an emergency pregnancy center in Carbondale, Illinois, that doesn’t perform the procedure. I scratched that one off the list.

Eventually I did found a website for an abortion provider within driving distance, the Hope Clinic for Women, in Granite City, Illinois. The Hope Clinic is four hours and 18 minutes from Bowling Green, making it one of the closet clinics to residents in southern Kentucky.

Logistics and Barriers to Care

Finding the clinic was just one of the first hurdles. There would still be a handful of questions that someone would have to answer. A pregnant patient would have to figure out far along they are in their pregnancy. They’d have to figure out if they’d be able to take an abortion pill, or if they’d need a surgical procedure. A patient would have to determine the cost and figure out if the clinic would accept their insurance. Depending on the procedure, a patient might have to stay close to the clinic, so they’d have to get hotel. Some patients would probably have to take off work as well. It’s a lot to figure out in a short amount of time, but once those questions are answered, it’d be time to schedule the appointment.

Available Procedures and Gestation Limits

• Surgical abortion: Offered until 15 weeks and 6 days gestation. It is safe, quick, and provides immediate relief from pregnancy symptoms.
• Abortion pill (in-clinic): Offered until 11 weeks 0 days gestation. This is a course of 2 medications over a 48 hr period.
• Abortion pills by mail: Offered until 11 weeks gestation. No clinic visit needed; meet with your doctor virtually and receive medications via FedEx 2-day express shipping.

Appointments and Financial Assistance

As of right now, the Hope Clinic doesn’t have online scheduling, meaning patients have to call their office to schedule an appointment. Those appointment times can vary based on the procedure. Most appointments will take three to five hours, while some can take up to two to three days. Same-day appointments may be available if you call before 10:00 AM. Our all-inclusive fee covers every part of the process, whether you choose the abortion pill or surgical abortion. While we still have access to financial aid, please be aware that funding for abortions has been cut dramatically nationwide. Call today to see if you qualify for assistance.

The Patient Experience

Once the appointment is scheduled, the hotel is booked, and time off from work has been requested, it’s time to get on the road. From Bowling Green to the Hope Clinic for Women was 280 miles. I listened to music, called family and friends, and tried not to think too much about the destination. If I did, I’d start to feel anxious, nervous, and on edge.

At the clinic, the staff is welcoming and the doctor was truly understanding and extremely kind. From the moment I walked in, the staff was incredibly kind, compassionate, and professional. They made me feel comfortable, safe, and genuinely cared for throughout the entire process. The nurses and doctors were so sweet and attentive, ensuring I was well-informed and at ease every step of the way. They handled everything with the utmost sensitivity and respect, never making me feel judged or alone. Their level of care and reassurance made an emotional experience so much more manageable.