(New York Times, Oct. 23, 2023)
Hospitals are playing a growing role in abortion access, as pregnant women with certain health issues travel to seek care that clinics can’t provide.
“At the end of last year, Illinois abortion providers met with state officials to suggest a program to better serve the sickest abortion patients.In July, the state awarded them a $600,000 grant to start the Complex Abortion Regional Line for Access, or CARLA.
Two full-time nurses now coordinate referrals between Illinois abortion clinics and four Chicago-area hospitals. The nurses conduct a full medical intake over the phone; track down medical records; and figure out coverage when patients have insurance or connect them with the Chicago Abortion Fund when they don’t.”