Today, Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) signed the Illinois Reproductive Health Act (RHA) into law.
Dr. Erica Hinz, ob/gyn in Illinois and Fellow with Physicians for Reproductive Health, responded with the following statement:
“Today, protection of our fundamental right to make decisions about reproductive health care, including contraception, abortion care, prenatal care, and birth was signed into state law.
“…individual’s health, not politics, will govern decision-making.”
“The RHA recognizes that abortion is health care. Like everyone in the United States who needs abortion care, the Illinoisans who access abortion represent every race, religion, income status, immigration status, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, and education status. This landmark legislation means that an individual’s health, not politics, will govern decision-making.
“I am thrilled that our outdated state law has finally been updated to protect the health and well-being of Illinoisans. I hope other states can also take steps to ensure that access to health care is a right of all in our community, not just the wealthy and privileged.”