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Cook County public speakers urge funding for reproductive-health services in FY2025 budget amendment
Summary
Five public speakers told the Cook County Board on Nov. 21 that a proposed FY2025 budget amendment is needed to fill funding gaps for abortion and related services, citing increased patient volume, travel and logistical barriers, and the CARLA referral program’s role in hospital-based care.
A special meeting of the Cook County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 21, 2024, included public testimony urging the board to adopt a proposed amendment to the fiscal year 2025 budget to support reproductive-health services.
Multiple clinicians and advocates told commissioners that demand for abortion care has grown since the U.S. Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision, leaving clinics and associated support programs with funding shortfalls. Lisonbee Cowett, medical director at Family Planning Associates, said the clinic has seen a roughly 50% increase in patient volume since Dobbs and now serves more than 1,300 patients per month. “This funding will not only support the cost of patient care, but also allow patients…
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