Appointment Instructions

Face masks are recommended, but optional. Masks are available for free in many areas around the clinic, and you may ask your providers to mask when caring for you. We will also ask you to wear a mask if we notice symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.

Prior to your abortion appointment:

• Eat a light breakfast
• Shower/bathe
• Wear comfortable clothes and bring a jacket

What do I need to bring with me to my appointment?

• Photo ID
• Face Mask
• Driver (see below)
• Form of payment (see below)
• Insurance Card (if applicable, see below)

Do NOT bring pets, or outside food/drink to your appointment.

How long will I be at the clinic?

• Appointment times vary based on a variety of factors. Most appointments take between 3-5 hours. Due to many people traveling across the South and Midwest to access services at Hope Clinic, appointment times may exceed 5 hours. If you measure between 14-18 weeks via ultrasound, your appointment time will likely exceed 5 hours. Please plan accordingly.
• If you measure 16 weeks or above, your procedure may take 2-3 days. Please prepare to be in the clinic for 3-5 hours per day. You must stay within 30 minutes of the clinic and in the state of Illinois in between appointments if your visit takes multiple days. Please contact the clinic for information about local hotels or for travel assistance.

Photo ID Requirement: If you have lost or do not have access to a photo ID, please contact the clinic for a list of acceptable alternatives.

Payment: Fees for services vary depending on type of procedure and length of pregnancy (as indicated by ultrasound at time of appointment). Payment is expected for all services rendered at the time of your visit. We accept cash, credit, debit, and money order.

If you need financial assistance, see resources available here.

If you have questions about payment, please contact the clinic by calling 618-451-5722 during regular business hours. You may also text us at 618-248-8048.

Insurance Coverage: If you are using insurance to pay for your procedure, please contact the clinic to verify your insurance plan covers abortion services. Illinois Medicaid plans cover abortion services. Please note we are not contracted with most private insurers. Click here for more information about insurance coverage at Hope Clinic.

Driver Policy: Patients receiving moderate sedation are required to have a driver. All patients measuring 14 weeks or greater will receive sedation with their procedure, and therefore must have a driver. Drivers must arrive in the same vehicle as the patient as overnight parking is not allowed. Drivers must have a valid photo ID, and stay within 30 minutes of the clinic for the duration of the patient’s visit. For patients undergoing a multiple day abortion procedure (16 weeks or greater), we require a driver for each day you are in the clinic (2-3 consecutive days).

We recommend every patient has a driver in case they are further in their pregnancy than expected or change their mind about receiving moderate sedation.

Visitor Policy: Every person who has an appointment at Hope Clinic may have one support person accompany them into the clinic for the duration of their visit. All visitors are required to abide by our policies, including COVID-19 infection prevention policies such as proper wearing of masks. Visitors must be aware that wait times can sometimes exceed 5 hours. This support person will NOT be available to accompany the person they are supporting during every portion of the visit.

Child Policy: Hope Clinic does NOT provide child care. We do have a family room available for children and families to wait during their loved one’s appointment. Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult at all times and stay within our family room. The adult should not be the person seeking services from Hope Clinic. Children age 10 or above may wait in the family room for the duration of the visit without adult accompaniment. If you have children under the age of 10 and are unable to arrange for supervision of your child(ren), please contact Hope Clinic prior to your appointment.

Patient Paperwork: Some of the paperwork that you will be asked to complete as part of your visit is located below. Please feel free to review these documents prior to your appointment. 

• Request for Medical Services, Receipt of Notice of Privacy Practices, Financial Policy, and Electronic Communications
  • Notice of Privacy Practices available for your review.
• Abortion Procedure Consent
• Medication Abortion Consent

A Note About Protestors: We typically have people protesting outside of our clinic. They are not allowed on our property but often line our sidewalks. We recommend parking in our main lot and doing your best to ignore them. They are often loud and have signs. If you are worried about protestors, headphones can be very helpful.