Gov. Pritzker Announces Launch of the Prairie State Access Fund in Illinois

CHICAGO, IL — Today, Governor Pritzker joined members of the philanthropic community, reproductive health leaders, and state leaders to announce the creation of the Prairie State Access Fund, a new initiative in partnership with the Michael Reese Health Trust to sustain and strengthen the reproductive health ecosystem across Illinois to ensure continued access for both residents of Illinois and those from across the country seeking abortion care.

“The Trump Administration is leading an all-out assault on abortion and gender affirming care — but Illinois will not let that happen here. In the face of the anti-woman, anti-LGBTQ campaign being waged by extremists, Illinois has taken a leading role in protecting individual freedom and autonomy,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “The Prairie State Access Fund is an example of true public and private sector partnership in building a more connected and resourced reproductive health ecosystem. Together, we are sending a clear message in our state and across the country: Illinois trusts women to make their own medical decisions.”

“Reproductive rights are under attack across the country; this fund will help make sure Illinois remains the safe haven it is today,” said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. “For a lot of people, the services provided by this investment will be a sign of hope — hope that safe, dignified treatment is out there. No matter who you are or where you are from, you are welcome in Illinois, and we’ll make sure you get the care you need.”

Illinois is one of the few states in the Midwest that offers widespread access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare, with the Guttmacher Institute recently updating the state’s ranking to “very protective” in terms of Illinois’ strong abortion policies and accessibility. Guttmacher’s data also shows Illinois providers delivered 23% of all abortions nationwide to patients traveling from other states in 2024.

Accessible reproductive healthcare can be a matter of life and death. If care is delayed, disrupted, or out of reach, women can experience poorer outcomes, higher rates of preventable complications, and widening inequities, particularly for Black women, low-income families, and rural communities. The Prairie State Access Fund will connect donor support with organizations already protecting and expanding reproductive health access across Illinois and will help provide flexible funding so they can act fast, close urgent gaps, and deliver care with dignity.

The State of Illinois regularly partners with philanthropy to bolster existing reproductive healthcare initiative and state investments, and the Prairie State Access Fund is a strong example of how public and private efforts can rise to meet an urgent need.

“As demand for reproductive healthcare grows, Medicaid and public programs remain essential, but they cannot fill every gap alone,” said Elizabeth Whitehorn, Director of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. “The Prairie State Access Fund complements state efforts by strengthening the infrastructure providers rely on to deliver sustainable, patient-centered care.”

“Reproductive health is critical to a community’s public health,” said Dr. Sameer Vohra, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health. “Under Governor Pritzker’s leadership, Illinois has become a national leader in protecting access to reproductive healthcare services. Today’s announcement only furthers our efforts. I am thankful for the investment and leadership of the Michael Reese Health Trust and the Prairie Fund Steering Committee, ensuring reproductive health organizations have resources to remain stable and responsive to family and community needs.”

“Illinois is now serving nearly one in four people nationwide who must travel for reproductive and sexual healthcare, placing unprecedented strain on providers and communities across our state,” said Ameya Pawar, President & CEO of Michael Reese Health Trust. “The Prairie State Access Fund was created to meet this moment by delivering the flexible, pooled support organizations need to sustain care and respond in real time.”

“Providers and support organizations are meeting unprecedented demand with limited resources, and flexible funding makes that work possible,” said Megan Jeyifo, Executive Director of the Chicago Abortion Fund. “The Prairie State Access Fund represents trust in communities and strengthens the ecosystem patients rely on to access care with dignity.”

“Illinois is serving people from across the country who have nowhere else to turn, making this a national responsibility and a national opportunity. I’m proud to support the Prairie State Access Fund and encourage donors everywhere to invest in the infrastructure that makes access possible,” said Heather Steans, Member of the Prairie Fun Steering Committee.

“Michael Reese Health Trust has been a passion project for me because it is inseparable from my life’s work. I was trained at Michael Reese Hospital and practiced there for 11 years, where caring for women facing life-threatening pregnancy complications and ensuring access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare was part of its legacy — and it shaped my belief that access to care is not optional, it is essential,” said Dr. Edward Linn, Michael Reese Health Trust Board Member. “For over more than four decades as a reproductive health physician, I have counseled countless patients whose pregnancies were deeply wanted but put their lives at risk. The Prairie State Access Fund reflects what clinicians know to be true: protecting reproductive healthcare is about safeguarding lives, dignity, and medically necessary care.”

“The Red Tent Fund is a national abortion fund, rooted in Jewish values, that affirms the right to abortion for all and provides direct funding to patients seeking care at independent clinics across the country. We're proud to stand with the Prairie State Access Fund in a shared commitment to health equity and access for all Illinois communities and beyond. Together, we are strengthening the ecosystem of care in a state that has become a lifeline for abortion seekers across the nation,” said Allison Tombros Korman, Founder and Executive Director of the Red Tent Fund.

Grounded in equity and reproductive justice, the Prairie State Access Fund will help fortify Illinois’ status as a haven for reproductive health, which Governor Pritzker has prioritized throughout his tenure. Since taking office, the Administration has worked with the Illinois General Assembly to implement landmark reproductive health initiatives, including:

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