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.”