Senator Martwick protects women’s health care in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Robert Martwick supported a measure that protects privacy for both individuals seeking reproductive health care and health care professionals in Illinois, from restrictive laws in other states.

“Reproductive health is under attack across the country,” said Martwick (D-Chicago.) “I am proud to stand with women across the state to ensure that both patient and medical professionals will not be put in jeopardy.”

Under House Bill 4664, Illinois health care providers and residents who access care will be protected from being penalized providing or utilizing care that is legal in Illinois but illegal in other states.

The legislation also includes a number of other measures to preserve choice, including protecting in vitro fertilization, creating grants to provide abortion training, clarifying advance practice nurses can perform abortions, and more.

“It is vital to ensure that women won’t be punished for seeking health care options that they need,” said Martwick. “Today Illinois takes a step forward to further enshrining those rights into law.”

House Bill 4664 passed the Senate Monday and will head to the House for further consideration.