SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A plan heading to Gov. JB Pritzker's desk could require high schools to include CPR training on female manikins.

This comes as the American Heart Association said women are 27% less likely than men to receive bystander CPR due to hesitation or misconceptions about performing aid.

"Allowing for students to have reasonable opportunities to train on both genders will bring parity to bystander CPR and save lives," said Sen. Maura Hirschauer (D-Batavia). 

The bill requires CPR training on both breasted and non-breasted manikins to ensure students can help anyone during cardiac emergencies.

"I've been CPR certified at least five times in my life, and yet I've never seen a female manikin in a class," said Naperville Central High School senior Ashlynn Goldstein. "Even when studying my certified nursing assistant program and getting basic life support certification, there was not one single female manikin in the room or a chest cover as an alternative."

House Bill 4788 passed out of the Senate on a 43-13 vote this week. The measure previously received a 73-38 vote in the House.

This requirement would begin during the 2029-2030 school year if the bill is signed into law.

"When someone's life is on the line, every second counts," said Sen. Laura Ellman (D-Naperville). "More inclusive, realistic CPR training helps people act quickly and save lives. Students should feel confident stepping in during an emergency, no matter who needs help." 

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