Understanding the Experiences and Priorities of Patients Traveling to Illinois for Abortion Care Post-Dobbs [ID 1337]

INTRODUCTION: The 2022 Dobbs v Jackson decision has resulted in widespread state abortion restrictions. We sought to understand patients’ priorities when travelling to Illinois for abortion care. METHODS: We conducted semistructured interviews between March and September 2024 with adult participants who travelled to Illinois for an abortion. Interviews were recorded, deidentified, transcribed, and coded using Dedoose software. We conducted thematic content analysis to identify key themes across interviews. RESULTS: Twenty-nine participants completed interviews (59% White, 34% Black, 1% Hispanic), with 69% seeking abortion at less than or equal to 10 weeks of gestation and 55% traveling 2 or more hours one-way. When making an abortion appointment in Illinois, participants prioritized: 1) earlier appointment times, 2) a comfortable and safe setting, 3) costs, and 4) minimizing travel. Participants prioritized timing to avoid pregnancy progression, relieve difficult symptoms, and avoid more complex procedures. Participants also sought out clinic locations near friends and family, with good reviews or reputation, without protestors, and that offered preferred method and/or sedation. Comfort and security were valuable in the absence of guidance from trusted at-home providers. Cost was a factor, including free parking, less gas use, and reduced procedure price. Participants also discussed trade-offs; for instance, whereas some sought to minimize travel, others were willing to increase travel time to reduce costs. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: Participants managed a variety of competing priorities to obtain abortion care outside of their home state. Family planning providers must be prepared to support patients navigating these challenging trade-offs through shared decision making in a legally restrictive post- Dobbs world.