The reproductive rights of people in Illinois will be protected for the future, due to a bill signed into law by Governor Pritzker. The bill focuses on both reproductive rights and gender-affirming care. It also expands access to healthcare on a statewide basis and protects both medical providers and patients from any legal repercussions due to the laws in neighboring states.

Gov. Pritzker, and many others throughout the state, hold the opinion that access to reproductive rights, including the right to an abortion, is part of healthcare. The decision on any reproductive choice should be between doctor and patient, and not controlled by the state or federal government.

When Roe v. Wade was overturned, Gov. Pritzker promised Illinois residents that their rights would remain protected. Signing the current bill into law made good on that promise. Abortion is legal in the state until the point where a fetus would be able to survive outside the womb, which is generally around 6 months of pregnancy.

More than 10,000 patients from other states come to Illinois every year to seek reproductive care, and that number has continued to rise since Roe v. Wade was overturned. The new law will increase protections for these people, so they can’t be criminally or civilly charged or prosecuted by their state of residence for coming to Illinois for an abortion or other reproductive care.

The scope of what some healthcare providers are allowed to do has also increased, with physician assistants, ARNPs, and those who work at birth centers having more autonomy and ability to address the full scope of reproductive care.

This care, along with gender-affirming care, will also be covered by insurance plans without additional charges. Employers in the local government sectors are required to provide coverage for gender-affirming and reproductive treatments, along with birth control, through their insurance plans.

This new law will help protect residents of Illinois who need care, along with those who visit from neighboring states for the help they’re looking for.

The Surrogacy Law Center works with all individuals and couples, helping protect their legal rights as they navigate the world of surrogacy and assisted reproductive methods. Contact us today to learn more!