Illinois residents open their doors to Wisconsin women seeking abortions across the border

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Illinois residents are opening their homes to Wisconsin women seeking reproductive healthcare as the enforceability of the state's criminal abortion ban is questioned.

"Because, that is what I would hope someone would do for me," Nessa Vahedian Khezerlou, an Aurora resident, said.

The United States Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade on June 24. States now determine their own abortion laws for the first time in nearly 50 years.

Wisconsin providers have since stopped performing the procedure as state officials and lawmakers argue over the criminal abortion ban from the 1800s.

Abortions remain legal in Illinois.

"I am deeply concerned about the burden that this is going to put on states, like Illinois, when we have women from many different states who are crossing state lines to come here to get the healthcare that they need," Jordan Parker, a Chicago resident, said.

Parker and Vahedian Khezerlou are two of dozens of people who immediately posted on social media after the ruling came down, offering support and a place to stay for women seeking care across the southern border in Illinois. 

"I will provide a safe place to sleep, healthy meals, emotional support, transportation if needed," Parker said.

The ruling doesn't directly impact these women.

"I just want to do whatever I can to make sure that's still available for people," Vahedian Khezerlou said.

However, they understand what many women will go through, and want to show them that there's a community of support out there, even if it's not in their own community.

"There are so many people out there who are supporting them," Parker said.