SPRINGFIELD – With the overturning of Roe v. Wade, State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes is proud to support new legislation protecting those who seek reproductive health care in Illinois, making these procedures and medicine more accessible.

“Illinois should not be in the way of people’s choice to access reproductive health care,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “It is our job to make sure individuals who seek out health care in this way are supported throughout the entire process, and this law ensures that Illinois will continue to protect those decisions.”

House Bill 4664 protects legal and practical access to abortion care in Illinois following the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade. The measure will allow people seeking reproductive health care in Illinois to be safe from out-of-state subpoenas related to the issue and gives them the ability to counterclaim the state forbidding access.

Similarly, the bill would protect licensed professionals who are practicing within Illinois, and would expedite the process for receiving temporary licenses for out-of-state professionals who wish to provide care in Illinois along with telehealth.

This bill expands upon contraceptives for Medicare patients as well as limiting organizations from removing contraceptive and pregnancy related-benefits if they offer them, as well as abortions.

Additionally, the Illinois Department of Health would provide grants to underserved areas for training and to ensure safe access to this health care.

“Providing reproductive health care to the residents of Illinois is important for potentially lifesaving decisions,” Cervantes said. “I am proud to be able to stand up for this important right to access reproductive health care for every resident of Illinois and the hardworking health care workers who are out there saving lives and serving our communities.”

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

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