carafem now offering IV sedation at Chicago metro health center

Everyone deserves abortion care that meets their unique needs. That’s why carafem is now offering IV sedation for procedural abortion care at our Chicago metro health center.

IV sedation helps patients feel deeply relaxed and drowsy while still conscious during their medical procedure. Many people remember little or none of their abortion afterward.

We’re pleased to expand our range of existing pain management options including local anesthesia, prescription pain reliever, and anti-anxiety medication in response to patient feedback.

“Our patients continually shape the care we provide,” said Melissa Grant, co-founder and chief operations officer at carafem. “When they tell us there's an opportunity to improve their experience, we listen. Offering IV sedation and enhanced pain management is another way we're expanding choices so people can receive abortion care in the way that feels right for them.”

Why Chicago?

Since Roe was overturned, Illinois has become an important access point for abortion care in the Midwest and beyond. In 2025, more than 40% of patients came to our Chicago clinic from out of state, and most chose procedural abortion. Additionally, the center is located in a multi-use medical facility with free parking, protection from protesters, and easy access to public transportation, hotels, and O’Hare International Airport.

What does it cost and how do I schedule?

Costs range from $0 to $600 depending on financial eligibility. Please call us at 855-729-2272 to schedule.

Patients can also still receive a procedural abortion without sedation if they prefer.

Training the next generation of compassionate abortion care providers at Chicago center

carafem is committed to supporting the community in Illinois and throughout the Midwest by improving access to compassionate, patient-centered abortion care. In our expanded space at the Chicago center, we’re training advanced practice providers (APPs) in procedural abortion care and anesthesia through the University of Illinois Chicago’s (UIC) Reproductive Advocacy and Diversity in Advanced Nursing Training (RADIANT) Fellowship.

carafem is pleased to expand its services to support the immediate need for greater access to abortion care in Illinois and nationally, and build the next generation of compassionate abortion care providers.

Adding IV sedation as an additional pain management option reflects our ongoing commitment to improving the abortion care experience by listening to patients, expanding choices, and investing in the services people tell us they want.

Need abortion pills now?

You can access online abortion pills (for now or to prepare for the future) 24/7 on our website or by calling 855-729-2272 to speak with someone on our team.