House Democrats Stand Strong for Reproductive Health Care
Springfield, IL – With states across the country passing draconian bans on reproductive health care, House Democrats made it clear on Thursday that Illinois will always protect a person's right to choose.
"Reproductive health care is under assault throughout this country," said House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch. "Today, House Democrats sent a clear message that people seeking health care won't be criminalized, providers won't be forced to abandon patients, and Illinois will remain a safe haven for anyone who needs reproductive health care."
House Democrats passed House Bill 1464 which will ensure Illinois health care providers are not punished by other states' cruel and oppressive laws because performing an abortion in Illinois is not a crime. The measure clarifies that a licensed doctor in Illinois cannot be disciplined in Illinois if another state suspends or revokes their license for participating in or performing an abortion. This bill protects doctors from these restrictive and unnecessary sanctions so they can continue to provide the vital health care Illinoisans need.
"Planned Parenthood Illinois Action is tremendously grateful for the leadership being shown today by Speaker Welch and other pro-choice leaders who are working to ensure that all Illinois residents have equitable access to the high-quality health care that Planned Parenthood of Illinois provides," said Brigid Leahy, Vice President of Public Policy at Planned Parenthood Illinois Action. "It is crucial that Illinois remain a haven state in the Midwest because if Roe falls, every state that borders Illinois would quickly move to either ban or severely restrict abortion, forcing people to travel to a state like Illinois for the health care they need and deserve."
"As abortion rights are attacked each week across the country, Illinois worked diligently to establish a fundamental right for all people to make every decision regarding their reproductive health care without government interference," said Colleen Connell, Executive Director, ACLU. "The Illinois House of Representatives today reaffirmed that our state will not let others undermine this commitment. That message is welcome – for people in Illinois and those in other states who need to access health care, including abortion care."
The House of Representatives also voted for a variety of resolutions that will reaffirm Illinois' commitment to protecting reproductive health care for all. House Resolution 789 will bring further awareness to the importance of reproductive rights and promotes Illinois as a role model for other states as they strive toward full reproductive justice. House Resolution 790 is a strong reminder of Illinois' support for the landmark legislation Roe v. Wade and House Resolution 94 urges the state to fully fund Planned Parenthood so that they can continue to perform essential reproductive and general health care services.