Illinois Repeals Final Anti-Abortion Law

WESTCHESTER, Ill. – The General Assembly passed a law to remove the final barrier Illinoisans face when trying to access safe reproductive healthcare. In passing the Youth Health and Safety Act, Illinois has ensured that young people can choose to involve the people they trust in their healthcare decisions.

"Repealing the Parental Notification Act has been a priority of mine for many years and I am incredibly proud to see it cross the finish line," said House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch. "With this repeal, we can better protect our youth who may be in dangerous situations and provide access to the healthcare they need."

Decades of research and experience proves that forced parental involvement laws serve no valid purpose and can put youth in harm's way. The overwhelming majority of young people who experience an unplanned pregnancy will involve their parents voluntarily, but those who choose not to have valid reasons in doing so.

"The reason for repeal is many," said Representative Anna Moeller, D-Elgin, the chief sponsor of the proposal. "The minority of young people who are not able to talk to their parents have serious reasons for not doing so, such a s fear of physical or emotional abuse, loss of financial support or homelessness, fear of being forced to give birth against their will, or serious family problems such as a parent who is sick or in prison."

"By passing the Youth Health and Safety Act, all Illinoisans, regardless of age, now have the full legal autonomy to make decisions about what’s best for their bodies," said Jennifer Welch, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Illinois Action. "We look forward to Governor Pritzker upholding his promise to sign this bill when it crosses his desk."

This bill also creates a taskforce to help identify support and resources for pregnant and parenting youth.

"I want to congratulate Representative Anna Moeller for all of her hard work, as well as the many advocacy organizations who have joined us in this fight to ensure accessible reproductive healthcare for all."