SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois is already a safe haven for abortion and reproductive healthcare. However, three new laws could expand protections for patients and providers in reaction to action in neighboring states.
Gov. JB Pritzker told reporters in Chicago Wednesday that pro-choice states need to act quickly to expand resources necessary for women to receive reproductive healthcare.
Gov. JB Pritzker told reporters in Chicago Wednesday that pro-choice states need to act quickly to expand resources necessary for women to receive reproductive healthcare.
"Across the nation, we can see extremists are ramping up their efforts to restrict and punish women seeking to exercise their rights and control over their own bodies," Pritzker said. "We can't wait around and be reactive when the latest attacks come."
A new law blocks people from requesting location information and health records for legal reproductive care provided in Illinois. It also bans local governments across the country from imposing civil or criminal liability against patients or providers of reproductive and gender affirming care.
"Every single time that I interact with colleagues from other states that don't have these protections, the same thing holds true," said Sen. Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago). "Keep doing the work and do it for us."
A separate law ensures pregnant people can access emergency medical care, including abortion. This comes as the U.S. Supreme Court has threatened to overturn the federal law that protects the right to emergency care when it is necessary to save the life or health of a patient.
"If you are a pregnant person facing a medical emergency in Illinois, you will get the care you need. Period," said Rep. Dagmara Avelar (D-Bolingbrook). "That's not just a statement. It's a promise backed by the power of our laws and the compassion of our people."Â
Another law will expand the Illinois Human Rights Act to prohibit discrimination based on reproductive health decisions. Under this change, an employer could face a civil rights violation for terminating a worker for seeking to start or expand their family through in-vitro fertilization.
House Bill 4867 protects people from discrimination surrounding contraception, fertility, IVF, miscarriage management care and abortion among other reproductive healthcare.
"I'm here to commit that we're going to vigorously defend all of these laws," said Attorney General Kwame Raoul. "We have to stay nimble as a legislature because with every move that we make, there are those that are actively trying to undermine our great work."
All three plans passed out of the House and Senate on partisan votes. The emergency medical care protection and Illinois shield law took effect immediately. Meanwhile, the Human Rights Act changes will take effect on January 1.
"While I wish these amendments weren't horribly urgent, I am overwhelmingly grateful that we have the tools to protect our people," said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. "In Illinois, we trust women, and we are never going back."Â
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