Pritzker signs monumental maternal health equity plan into law

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Black mothers are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related medical conditions than white mothers, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. A new state law could drastically improve maternal healthcare for Black women across the state.

On the same day Iowa banned most abortions after six weeks, Gov. JB Pritzker signed a plan to require private insurance companies cover abortion care without copays or deductibles.

The new law mandates coverage for abortions, pregnancy, postpartum and newborn care.

"The Birth Equity Initiative is Illinois' way of strengthening prosecution for the full spectrum of reproductive care," said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. "It bolsters our administration's belief that no government should decide when or if a family grows and ensures that when families do expand, both mom and baby have access to the care they need to get home safely."

Lawmakers approved a plan last year to require Medicaid coverage for holistic services before, during and one year after birth. Illinois will soon require private insurers cover services provided by midwifes, doulas and lactation consultants.

"I know that there are women that look like me and women all over this state who are faced with these barriers, and I knew how important it was to get it done," said Sen. Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago).

Sponsors said they are proud of the $4.4 million budget investment to analyze the state's maternal mortality rate and a $5 million boost for the state's home visiting program to increase birth equity.

The new law also increases funding for safety net hospitals and nursing homes. Illinois will launch a $1 million diaper distribution program as well.

"It will improve long-term health outcomes and make pregnancy-related care more culturally responsive," Pritzker said. "There is more work to do, but this is an enormously important first and big step."

Personal PAC said this law is groundbreaking because it positions abortion care as inseparable from the full spectrum of pregnancy, postpartum and newborn care.

"These services are proven to increase healthier birth outcomes," said House Majority Leader Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston). "A safe, healthy pregnancy shouldn't be predicated on one's income, background or race. It is a fundamental right."

Most changes included in House Bill 5142 will take effect on January 1, 2026. The Medicaid and doula services will start on January 1, 2025.