(The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed multiple bills he said are designed to further protect reproductive rights in Illinois.
Illinois has become a safe haven for women seeking an abortion after other states implemented restrictions.
“These laws were crafted to shield Illinoisans from future attacks by the U.S. Supreme Court and other bad actors who will attempt to impose their backward ideology on the rest of us,” said Pritzker.
One measure, House Bill 5239, allows minors to sign and file applications under the state’s family planning program for lawful health care. The bill also makes information related to lawful health care, health records and location for patients confidential and exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. During floor debate of the bill, state Sen. Jil Tracy, R-Quincy, brought up concerns regarding the lack of an age limit.
“Is it right that Illinois taxpayers are going to provide these services at their expense to minor children without the knowledge of their parents,” said Tracy. “It’s just astounding to me.”
Another bill the governor signed was created to protect the right to life-saving care during an emergency, including an abortion. During floor debate for House Bill 581, state Rep. Bill Hauter, R-Morton, said the legislation is unnecessary.
“I have been practicing emergency medicine for 27 years and I’ve never been involved in a case, or heard about a case where abortion was necessary to stabilize a patient,” said Hauter.
The third measure, House Bill 4867, expands the Illinois Human Rights Act to prohibit discrimination based on reproductive health decisions. The protections apply across all areas of the act, including employment, housing and real estate, financial credit and public accommodations.
“It is unacceptable that anyone can be discriminated against in employment, housing, or public accommodations based on their reproductive health decisions,” said state Rep. Anna Moeller, D-Elgin. “This gap in our anti-discrimination laws needed to be addressed, and we have taken action to do so.”
