Press Release |

Illinois respects the health, dignity, and economic security of patients

Today, Governor Bruce Rauner of Illinois signed HB 40, a bill that would protect the legal right to abortion in Illinois and ensure that right is a reality for low-income women.

In response, Physicians for Reproductive Health Board Chair Dr. Willie Parker issued the following statement:

“I am thrilled to hear that Governor Bruce Rauner has signed HB 40, ensuring that the right to abortion care is made a reality in Illinois and protecting that right from potential threats. Today, politics did not trump medicine.

This bill is an important step forward for the health, dignity, and economic security of Illinois patients.

Governor Rauner acted in the best interest of the patients of Illinois. Everyone, regardless of their income or where their insurance comes from, deserves access to medical care, and this bill is an important step forward for the health, dignity, and economic security of Illinois patients. Now more than ever, it is essential that states take action to defend and promote access to comprehensive reproductive health care without political interference, and I applaud the state of Illinois for respecting the reproductive rights and bodily autonomy of its citizens.”

Board Chair Willie J. Parker, MD, MPH, MSc is a reproductive justice advocate who travels as an abortion provider in Alabama and Georgia. He also was recently honored by the United Nations Office of Human Rights as one of 12 Women’s Human Rights Defenders on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the United Nations’ Fourth World Conference on Women. He is also a recipient of Planned Parenthood’s 2015 Margaret Sanger Award.

Dr. Parker joined the Physicians for Reproductive Health board in November 2007 and is the current Chair.