Chicago

United States of America / Illinois / Chicago

OVERVIEW

As a major American city, you will find many health care resources in Chicago. All forms of birth control are available, including condoms, pills, patches, shots, etc. If you're under 18, you may need parental approval to obtain birth control pills. You can buy emergency contraception in drug stores. You can get STD/STI tests at many facilities, including public facilities that offer free testing, as well as private facilities. You can find PEP and PrEP, and there are quite a few STI support groups, which we list on this page. At CVS and Walgreen's, you can find menstrual cups, and you can find eco-friendly menstrual products at Whole Foods and various health food stores. Maternity leave is covered under The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA), which covers some (but not all) working people in the States. Abortion is legal but, in the case of minors, abortion providers must inform their parents. Parental permission is not required for an abortion to be performed.

Contraception (Birth Control)

General Note: There are many types of contraceptives, also known as "birth control," including IUDs, oral contraceptives, patches, shots, and condoms, etc. If you would like to view a full list, click here.

Laws & Social Stigmas

Birth control sold in the USA

Condoms

In the state of Illinois, you can easily buy condoms and there are no age restrictions. If you want birth control pills, you need a prescription to obtain birth control pills. If you're a minor (under 18 years old), you can get a prescription for the following reasons: if you're married, if you're a parent, if you have health reasons requiring birth control or if you received a referral from a professional (like a doctor). In all other cases, minors must receive permission from their parents to get a birth control pill prescription.

At Title X Clinics, like Planned Parenthood Chicago, teens and adults can receive sexual and reproductive health care. They charge on a sliding-scale basis. They may be able to give you a prescription to birth control pills, as well as condoms and sexual health counseling. If you pay for their services with family health insurance and you're a teenager, your parents may see that you visited the clinic in their bills.

In the state of Illinois, it's not required to teach about sexuality in public schools. However, it is required to teach students about contraceptive methods, such as condoms, pills and patches.

What to Get & Where to Get It

• If you want condoms, you can buy them at drugstores, pharmacies, grocery stores and online. There are no age restrictions.
• You can get free condoms in Chicago at many facilities, including Access Community Health Network, AIDS Foundation Chicago, West Town STI Specialty Clinic. For a full list of all the facilities that provide free condoms in Chicago, click here.
• Planned Parenthood Chicago provides many birth control services, including birth control implant, birth control patch, birth control pill, birth control shot, birth control vaginal ring (NuvaRing), diaphragm, condom, female condom, fertility awareness method, IUD (hormonal), IUD (copper), etc. For a relatively low cost, Planned Parenthood writes and fulfills birth control prescriptions. If you don't have a prescription, you can receive the prescription and pills in the same day. Check out this link for Planned Parenthood locations in Chicago.
• If you're a teenager and need to receive sexual health counseling and access to contraception, you'll want to visit a Title X Clinic. In Chicago, this means you should go to Planned Parenthood of Illinois (18 Michigan Ave S, 6th Floor, Chicago, IL 60603). Phone: (312) 592-6800.

Costs

A pack of twelve condoms costs about $12. Female condoms are about $2 to $4 per condom.

Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill)

Important Notes: Emergency contraception may prevent pregnancy for three days (72 hours) and sometimes five days (120 hours) after unprotected sex. Take EC as soon as possible after unprotected sex. If you don't have access to dedicated EC, oral contraceptives can be used as replacement EC, but remember the following: 1) Only some contraceptives work as EC 2) Different contraceptives require different dosages and time schedules to work as EC 3) You must only use the first 21 pills in 28-day packs and 4) They may be less effective than dedicated EC. For general information on emergency contraceptives, click here and here.

Laws & Social Stigmas

In the US, Plan B pills are the most common forms of emergency contraception. It is legal to purchase Plan B in Chicago without a prescription, and there is typically little stigma related to the act. You can buy Plan B at many drug stores, such as Walgreen's and CVS.

What to Get & Where to Get It

You can purchase emergency contraception at Chicago drug stores and pharmacies. Some of the brands you can expect to see are My Way, Next Choice One Dose, Plan B One-Step, Take Action and ella.

Costs

Plan B pills typically cost between $35-$60/pill. If you can't afford Plan B, call up your local hospitals and Planned Parenthood. Some hospitals offer free pills, and Planned Parenthood does give free pills to some people in need. Also, consider seeing if Medicaid can cover the pill. There's also AfterPill, which is a cheaper morning after pill, which costs $20 and can be bought online. Since you usually want to take the morning after pill as quickly as possible, it's recommended to only purchase AfterPill as backup for future events -- not if you're currently in need of a pill.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs/STDs)

Important Notes - Learn about PEP and PrEP: If you think that you've been recently exposed to HIV (i.e. within 72 hours), seek out PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis). It's a month-long treatment to prevent HIV infection after exposure, and it may be available in your city. Take PEP as soon as possible. For more information, click here. If you are at risk of HIV exposure, seek out PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis). It's a daily oral pill that can prevent HIV infection before exposure. To learn more about PrEP, click here.

Laws & Social Stigmas

The United States has no travel restrictions related to HIV status. There are many low-cost and free STD testing services in Chicago. They typically do not require appointments, and they run on a first-come, first-serve basis. So it is recommended that you arrange for a test on a day when you have time to wait to receive your tests and results. Some STD clinics also offer vaccines for meningitis, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B, as well as alcohol and drug treatment.

What to Get & Where to Get It

Testing Facilities - Specialty Clinics

"The Chicago Department of Public Health provides free testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at the Specialty Clinics." Individuals who are 12 years old and older are eligible to be seen at the Specialty Clinics. Parental consent is not required for teens to visit. You don't need insurance. They offer services in English and Spanish.You should bring a photo identification (such as a school identification card, state identification card, or driver’s license) at the time of their visit. If you do not have photo identification at the time of your visit, you can still receive STI/HIV testing and same-day test results.

• Englewood STI Specialty Clinic. Free clinic. Tests for Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Syphilis and HIV. Offers sexual health counseling and HIV counseling. Address: 641 W. 63rd St., Lower Level. Phone: 312.747.8900. Fax: 312.747.5275. Mon., Wed., Fri.: 8 am - 4 pm. Tue., Thu.: 9 am - 5 pm
• Roseland STI Specialty Clinic: Free clinic. Tests for Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Syphilis and HIV. Offers sexual health counseling and HIV counseling. Address: 200 E. 115th St.. Phone: 312.747.0054. Fax: 312.747.2841. Mon.: 8 am - 4 pm. Thurs.: 9 am - 5 pm
• Austin STI Specialty Clinic. Free clinic. Tests for Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Syphilis and HIV. Offers sexual health counseling and HIV counseling. Address: 4909 W. Division, Suite 411. Phone: 312.746.4871. Mon., Wed.: 8 am - 4 pm. Tue.: 9 am - 5 pm
• WestTown STI Specialty Clinic. Free clinic. Tests for Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Syphilis and HIV. Offers sexual health counseling and HIV counseling. Address: 2418 W. Division. Phone: 312.742.4092. Fax: 312.742.7907. Thurs.: 9 am - 5 pm. Fri.: 8 am - 4 pm
• Lakeview STI Specialty Clinic: Free clinic. Tests for Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Syphilis and HIV. Offers sexual health counseling and HIV counseling. Address: 2849 N. Clark, 1st Fl., Phone: 312.744.5507. Mon., Wed., Fri.: 8am - 4pm. Tue., Thurs.: 10am - 6pm.

Testing Facilities - Additional Clinics (Low-Cost)

• Brown Health Center: Provides STI tests to the LGBT community. They have HIV specialists on staff and have a Syphilis Treatment Clinic. They have drop-in nights for uninsured women and trans people (35 and under) on the last Wednesday of each month, where they offer free services (pelvic exams, breast/check exams, STI tests).

Find the Chicago Department of Public Health or Planned Parenthood clinic closest to you for free HIV or STI testing.

• VIDA Wellness Center: "Free and confidential HIV counseling and testing is available to the general public by appointment or during general operating hours on a first-come, first-serve basis." Address: 2659 S. Kedvale Ave., Chicago, IL 60623. Contact: Alejandra (Alex) Pena. Email: apena@projectvida.org.
• Prologue South Side LGBT Drop-In Center: Offers free HIV rapid tests. Address: 1857 E. 71 St., Chicago, IL 60649. Email: 71stdropincenter@gmail.com.
• Open Door: "The HIV testing program targets high-risk populations of Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM), and high-risk heterosexuals including sex workers, sex partners of HIV-positive MSM’s, persons who have multiple unprotected sex partners, users of IV and non-IV drugs, and sex partners of Intervenous Drug Users. Persons receiving these services will be provided pre and post-test counseling per Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and State of Illinois." Address: 164 Division St., Ste. 607, Elgin, IL 60120.
• Our Voices Advocating Health: "The prevention department’s mission at TPAN is to maintain the agency’s reputation as being Chicago’s first one-stop agency for individuals looking for HIV prevention information, HIV testing, counseling and/or referrals. OVAH! is primarily targeted towards young, at risk people of color. This can include MSM’s as well as substance users, or people who just want to know how to stay safe."

Support

• Hepatitis C of Chicago: "We are a support group in the Chicagoland area, a group not affiliated with any one hospital or pharmaceutical company. Where the members can truly discuss their concerns and be allowed to exercise their freedom of choice without pressure from any outside sources." Contact: Email: HepCWorld@aol.com. Phone: 708-442-3933.
• Chicago H Club: "We are a social/activity group for people with herpes (HSV) and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in the city of Chicago and surrounding suburbs. We would like to have have parties at least once a month at different locations throughout Chicagoland!"
• Howard Brown Health Center: "OUR HIV/AIDS MANAGEMENT INCLUDES: General check-ups, Medication monitoring and management, Coordination of counseling and social services, Specialty and diagnostic referrals, Complement therapies (e.g., acupuncture, chiropractic, massage), Nutrition services." Howard Brown’s providers are all certified HIV specialists. Please call 773-388-1600 to schedule an appointment.
• The Chicago Center for HIV Elimination: "If you have been diagnosed with HIV or a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and would like to ask any sex or needle-sharing partners to get tested, OR if you know someone who you think was exposed to HIV or an STI, we can help you tell them anonymously. We will send them a personal message which does not include any information that can be used to identify you." EMAIL: hivelimination@uchicago.edu "CCHE seeks to eliminate new HIV transmission events over the next 30 years (from 2011 to 2041) by using network science to target and integrate prevention as well as create structural and community-specific interventions."
• AIDS Foundation of Chicago: "AFC brings together service providers and funders to develop systems that meet the needs of those living with HIV/AIDS and to maximize the use of scarce resources."
• Provident Hospital HIV Program: "Provident Hospital HIV Program provides comprehensive, wrap-around services that include outpatient primary care, mental health, psychosocial, dental, substance abuse, medication adherence, outreach/prevention and case management services to approximately 400 HIV patients residing in South side community areas."

Costs

For specialty clinics: "If you have any medical coverage, please provide your medical card and insurance information at registration. You will not be charged a co-pay, regardless of your plan. If you receive public aid, you should not receive a statement of services or any bills related to your visit. If you do receive a bill, do not pay it; return with the bill to the clinic, and give it to one of the staff. If you are privately insured, you may receive a statement of services and/or a bill, depending on your plan. Be mindful that if you are a dependent or spouse under someone else’s policy, your confidentiality cannot be guaranteed if you receive a statement or bill. If you do not wish to receive a statement or bill, please let us know at registration. You will need to complete an insurance opt-out form detailing the reason, and your insurance will not be charged at all. You will still receive the same quality services at your visit. If you do not have medical coverage of any kind, you will still receive the same quality care and services."

Medications & Vaccines

What to Get & Where to Get It

• For yeast infections, you can get over-the-counter medication (like Monistat 7) at drug stores. No prescription is needed.
• For a urinary tract infection (UTI), you'll need to visit a doctor and be diagnosed with a UTI to get a prescription for antibiotics.
• You can get Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) from Howard Brown Health: "Howard Brown Health provides access to PrEP to reduce your chance of acquiring HIV. Preventing HIV is part of the full spectrum of primary care services we provide. PrEP is covered by Medicaid and most private insurance plans." For additional information or to make an appointment, call 773.388.8885 or walk in during our hours of operation. You can also send an e-mail to prep@howardbrown.org for more information.
• You can get Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) at Howard Brown Health: PEP is available on a walk-in basis during regular hours at the following Howard Brown Health locations: Howard Brown Health/Sheridan and Howard Brown Health/Halsted. "If you believe you have been exposed to HIV, you can come to Howard Brown during our regular hours of operation to receive treatment. Patients without insurance may qualify for low-cost services, and staff will be available to help you figure out how to pay for the medication. Howard Brown Health always has a healthcare provider on call to help navigate you outside of regular business hours. For additional information, call 773.388.8889 or walk in during our hours of operation."

Costs

For yeast infections, Monistat 7 at Walgreens is $14.99 while Walgreens generic brand is $11.49 (which seems just as effective). For UTIs, you can expect to pay about $60 for the antibiotics. Chlamydia medication generally costs $10 but can go up to $50. Gonorrhea medication usually costs about $17 for a single dose. For uninsured consumers, some medications may be steep, so you may want to seek out sliding-scale clinics.

Menstruation

Note: In addition to pads and tampons, you can also use menstrual cups and menstrual underwear for your period. To learn more about menstrual cups, click here. To learn more about menstrual underwear, click here.

What to Get & Where to Get It

You can find tampons, pantyliners and pads in most drug stores, pharmacies, grocery stores, etc. You can get ecologically-friendly menstrual brands, like Veeda and Seventh Generation Productions, at Mariano's, Whole Foods, CVS and the Jewel-Osco at 1340 S Canal St.There are also many menstrual cup sellers in Chicago. You can find DivaCup at many Walgreen's and CVS locations in central Chicago, as well as at Kramer's Health Foods (230 S. Wabash Chicago, IL 60604 US). You can buy Lunette at Fresh Thyme Farmers Market (2500 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL. (872) 210-3010). You can buy Thinx menstrual underwear online.

Gynecological Exams

What to Get & Where to Get It

• Chicago Women's Health Center: "We serve women, transmasculine and genderqueer individuals regardless of income, age, race, ability or religion. We are committed to working with all of our clients to provide care that respects individuals' relationships with their bodies." For more information about our services or to schedule an appointment, contact the Gynecology Department at 773-935-6126. Appointments are available Monday-Friday, from 9am-4pm and occasional Saturdays.
• Planning Associates Medical Group: "Family Planning Associates Medical Group provides well-woman exam visits which are tailored to your specific needs and concerns but often include: Pap Smear Test, STI testing (genital warts/HPV, gonorrhea, chlamydia and trichomonas, Testing for vaginal infections (yeast vaginitis and bacterial vaginosis) and urinary tract infections." They accept most insurance and offer financial assistance. They speak English and Spanish. Confidential and compassionate staff.

Costs

Costs vary, ranging from $300 to free for one 'woman well' exam. Note that some clinics charge an additional cost for the pap smear, which may range between $55-$600. If you are an American citizen, you can receive an annual free gynecological exam under ObamaCare. If you are not a citizen or have already received your annual exam, there are cheaper options. Some clinics provide a flat rate for the entire examination while other charge an extra fee for the pap smear and associated lab work. At Planned Parenthood, a sliding scale fee is offered for low-income patients. Otherwise, it will run about $175/exam.

Pregnancy

Laws & Social Stigmas

In Chicago, many employers offer some time off, due to the National Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which guarantees 12 weeks maternity leave. But the FLMA has loopholes (for example, it doesn't apply to companies with less than 50 employees).

What to Get & Where to Get It

• Alternative Insemination (AI) Program @ Chicago Women's Health Center: "Our AI program is designed to provide affirming care to a diversity of LGBTQ families and single people who do not have access to sperm. We facilitate and support all stages of this process with consultation, fertility awareness education, and insemination services." Address: 1025 W. Sunnyside St., Ste. 201, Chicago, IL 60640.
• Alternative Insemination (AI) Program @ Lesbian Community Care Project (Howard Brown Health Center): "Howard Brown Health Center now offers an Alternative Insemination (AI) Program for the lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer community. Our AI Program provides holistic, affirming care to individuals, couples, and families as they prepare for pregnancy and begin the conception process." CONTACT: Allison BurqueEMAIL: allisonb@howardbrown.org PHONE: (773) 388-1600. ADDRESS: 4025 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago, IL 60613

Abortion

Important Note: There are two main types of abortions: medical (also known as the "abortion pill") and surgical (also known as "in-clinic"). For medical abortions, you take a pill to induce abortion. For surgical abortions, a procedure is performed to induce abortion. For general information about medical and surgical abortions, click here.

Laws & Social Stigmas

In the state of Illinois, abortion is legal until around 23-24 weeks of gestation (i.e. until a fetus is considered viable). If a minor receives an abortion, clinics are required to inform the parents, unless a judge gives a waiver. The adult family member doesn't actually need to give permission for the abortion, but they must be notified. For more details about Parental Notification laws in Illinois, click here.

To provide an abortion, the physician must be licensed with the state. Furthermore, advanced practice clinicians (such as physician's assistance and advanced practice nurses) can dispense and administer medical abortions. According to The Illinois Health Care Right of Conscience Act, medical providers can refuse to perform an abortion.

Due to laws restricting public funding of abortion care, some patients may have trouble paying for an abortion and associated travel costs. If you need assistance paying for the procedure, the Chicago Abortion Fund may be able to help. If you are traveling to Chicago from a neighboring state and need assistance with somewhere to stay, meals, etc., contact Midwest Access Coalition

At some clinic locations, protesters may be present. You do NOT have to listen to them, talk to them, or accept anything from them. Current laws in Chicago forbid protesters from coming within eight feet of you without your permission. Volunteers from Illinois Choice Access Team may be present and will be wearing bright pink vests that say "Pro-Choice Clinic Escort".

Note: Be careful -- there are some places that advertise themselves as abortion clinics, and they're actually religious anti-abortion clinics. These places are called "Crisis Pregnancy Centers." Check out the Chicago Campaign to Expose Crisis Pregnancy Centers to learn more information.

What to Get & Where to Get It

• Planned Parenthood Chicago: For a medical abortion (the "abortion pill"), Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL) provides the abortion pill up to 10 weeks at nine health centers in the Chicago area. Check out this list to see which health center is closest to you. You can also call 877-200-PPIL to schedule an appointment. For an in-clinic surgical abortion, Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL) provides this service for 19 weeks and 6 days at the Near North Health Center of Planned Parenthood: 1200 N LaSalle Street. Chicago, IL 60610. p: 312.266.1033 | f: 312.266.8797.
• Family Planning Associates Medical Group: Offers the abortion pill (for the first 10 weeks), first trimester abortion and second trimester abortion. They have locations in Downtown Chicago and Northwest Chicago. They accept most insurance and offer financial assistance. They speak English and Spanish. Confidential and compassionate staff.
• Women's Aid Center: They only do medical abortions (the abortion pill). They don't do surgical abortions. Private clinic managed by women. Address: 4801 W Peterson Ave #609, Chicago, IL 60646, USA. Phone: +1 773-725-4232.
• Michigan Avenue Center for Health: They offer surgical and medical abortions. You can call or book appointments online. Address: 2415 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60616. Call: (312) 328-1200. Toll Free: (877) 674-0100.

Costs

In Illinois, insurance policies for public employees only cover abortions if the abortion was due a life-threatening circumstance. It also appears that the state Medicaid program does not pay for medically necessary abortions, despite a court order.

Nationwide, the abortion pill can cost $800, but often less. For an in-clinic procedure, abortions can cost $1500, but often less. You can often find cheaper options at Planned Parenthood or some clinics. For low-income women (regardless of citizenship status), there are a variety of program in Chicago that can help pay for these costs.

Advocacy & Counseling

What to Get & Where to Get It

• Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline: 1-888-293-2080
• National Domestic Violence Hotline Number at 1-800-787-3224
• Rape Victim Advocates: "Rape Victim Advocates (RVA) is an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the healing and empowerment of sexual assault survivors through non-judgmental crisis intervention counseling, individual and group counseling, and medical and legal advocacy in the greater Chicago metropolitan area."
• YWCA Sexual Violence Support Services: "Caring, professional counselors provide confidential individual, family and group counseling to sexual assault survivors and their non-offending family members. Services are offered to women, children and men who have been victims of assault."
• Apna Ghar: 24 hour crisis hotline: (773) 334-4663. "Apna Ghar provides holistic services and conducts outreach and advocacy across immigrant communities to end gender violence."
• Community Counseling Centers of Chicago: Provides sexual assault counseling, suicide prevention, eating disorder treatment and other programs. Phone 773.769.0205.
• Chicago House/TransLife Center: "Chicago House’s newest program, the TransLife Center (TLC), officially launched in 2013. The TLC provides comprehensive programming and support to transgender individuals.TransHealth provides a variety of resources and health information to transgender people impacted by HIV/AIDS, poverty, homelessness, chronic illness, and/or mental health issues." ADDRESS: 1925 N. Clybourn St., Ste. 401, Chicago, IL 60614 CONTACT: Channyn ParkerEMAIL: info@chicagohouse.org PHONE: (773) 248-5200 ext. 333HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE: Yes
• Deborah's Place: "Deborah’s Place is Chicago’s largest provider of supportive housing for single women experiencing homelessness. We open doors to housing, healing, and hope."
• Sarah's Circle: "Sarah's Circle is a non-profit organization with a mission of serving women who are homeless or in need of a safe space. Located in Chicago's Uptown Community, Sarah's Circle has provided support for thousands of women since 1979."
• Institute of Women Today: "The Institute of Women Today is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization serving the Chicago community since 1974. Our mission is twofold: to provide transitional housing for homeless women, children and families, and to provide experiences that empower, mentor, and support women and the broader community so they can achieve their highest potential."
• A Safe Haven: "At A Safe Haven we help homeless people that are in sudden or chronic social and financial crisis address the root causes of their problems and we help them achieve sustainable self-sufficiency."

List of Additional Resources

• Chicago Chapter - National Organization of Women (NOW): "Welcome to the Chicago chapter of the National Organization for Women. We are dedicated to furthering feminist issues for the women of Chicago. We pride ourselves on being part of ‘the city that works,’ a city with a long history of activism. Our intention is to make a difference in the lives of the women in our city by dedicating ourselves to several key projects each year, and through community outreach and political activities."
• Center on Halsted: "Center on Halsted is the Midwest's most comprehensive community center dedicated to advancing community and securing the health and well-being of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) people of Chicagoland. More than 1,000 community members visit the Center every day, located in the heart of Chicago's Lakeview Neighborhood."
• Chicago Gender Society: "The Chicago Gender Society (CGS) was founded 29 years ago for transgender education and support. CGS continues to provide a safe place for people to explore their gender identity. We do this through our monthly meetings, socials and events."
• F.U.R.I.E.: "FURIE (Feminist Uprising to Resist Inequality and Exploitation) is a grassroots feminist organization working on a range of intersecting feminist issues in Chicago. We currently mobilize around reproductive justice, sexual assault, transphobia, racism, police brutality, and more."