As Democrats meet in Chicago, Illinois' role in abortion access is in the spotlight

At Hope Clinic in Granite City, Ill., Dr. Erin King and her staff have rearranged the waiting room for patients who’ve been traveling here from across the country. There are spaces for children to play and for families to relax or watch TV.

“Most of our patients have kids, and so if they're able to come, they can bring their kids with them,” King says.

There’s also a supply closet stocked with diapers, snacks and hygiene supplies that patients and their families might need during their trip. King describes it as a “little, mini 7-Eleven — but all free.”

Democrats are holding their nominating convention this week in Illinois, a state that’s become a critical access point for patients seeking abortion since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade just over two years ago. Abortion is a major campaign issue for Democrats this year, and the party is trying to remind voters that former President Donald Trump and the GOP are responsible for new abortion restrictions that have taken effect around the country.

Hope Clinic is in western Illinois — near the border with Missouri, where most or all abortions are now illegal. The situation is similar for most of Illinois’ neighboring states. In recent years, Hope and other clinics across Illinois have increased hours and staffing to accommodate an influx of patients from outside the state.

But getting here often isn’t easy, King says. She remembers a patient who faced one obstacle after another.

“She had a partner that was trying to block her from coming. She had child care issues — which kind of was wrapped up in the partner, because he was also the person she needed to care for her children. Her work was not giving her time off,” King said. “And then on top of that, she felt like