On Roe v. Wade Anniversary, Pritzker Makes Illinois Most Progressive State for Women’s Reproductive Rights


 

[January 23, 2019] 

On the 46th anniversary of the landmark Roe v. Wade decision, Governor JB Pritzker took executive action making Illinois the most progressive state in the nation for women’s reproductive rights.

“On the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, I’m proud to declare under my administration, the State of Illinois will be the most progressive state in the nation when it comes to guaranteeing the right to choose for every single woman,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Thanks to the courageous advocates across our state, HB 40 is the law of the land. I was proud to stand with you in that fight, because a right is only a right if it can be exercised by everyone. And today, I’m proud to sign an executive order that will further protect and expand the right to choose in Illinois – and that will fully implement all the provisions of HB 40.”

In today’s executive order, Gov. Pritzker took swift action to ensure the state fully enforces HB 40, now known as Public Act 100-0538. Through EO 2019-05, the governor directed the Department of Central Management Services to review all state employee group health insurance plans, identify barriers to women exercising their right to choose, and present recommendations to bring all health insurance plans into compliance with the law within the next 60 days.

The governor signed the executive order at Planned Parenthood of Illinois surrounded by women’s health advocates and co-sponsors of the legislation.

“Women’s rights are human rights. It’s important that women have the right and ability to chose what is best for them and their bodies,” said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. “Today’s executive order makes it clear that our state is a leader in that respect.”

“Every woman should be able to make her own reproductive health decisions, regardless of her employment or income level,” said Sen. Heather Steans (D-7th), the Senate chief co-sponsor of HB 40. “We fought hard to pass legislation protecting this right, and I am glad we have a governor ready to enforce it.”

“Gov. Pritzker has been unflinchingly supportive of women and our right to safe, legal abortion,” said Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-12th), the House chief co-sponsor of HB 40. “Even before he was elected, Gov. Pritzker was in the trenches with us fighting for our rights and understood what it means to provide fairness and equity to women regardless of where they get their insurance. Today is further proof of his commitment to women’s rights and to keeping abortion safe and legal in Illinois.”

“I look forward to working with Governor JB Pritzker and Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton to ensure that all women have access to a full range of reproductive health care, including access to safe and legal abortion,” said Jennifer Welch, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Illinois.“With an ultra-conservative majority on the U.S. Supreme Court, it is more critical than ever that Illinois is led by a governor who is unequivocal in his support of reproductive rights. Our new governor’s commitment to reproductive freedom and the health care provided by Planned Parenthood has been steadfast for decades. I am confident that Governor Pritzker, and his entire administration, will protect Illinois as an oasis for reproductive health care, not only for Illinoisans, but for all people in surrounding states who must travel to receive the care they need.”

“Governor Pritzker has never wavered on a woman’s right to choose, and in one of his first acts in office, he’s committing to fully enforcing HB 40 to ensure all women have access to reproductive health care,” said Terry Cosgrove, president and CEO of Personal PAC. “ Illinois leads the nation when it comes to reproductive rights, and Gov. Pritzker will ensure it stays that way.”

Executive Order 2019-05 - Pdf

[Office of the Governor JB Pritzker]