SPRINGFIELD – Following the announcement of the U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary directing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to review regulations around medication for reproductive health care treatments, State Senator Karina Villa led a measure to fortify protections for these medications and safeguard access to reproductive health.
“The science is clear – medication abortion is safe and effective with a record backed by over two decades of clinical use,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “The federal administration’s coordinated effort to restrict access to abortion is an attack on women’s freedom and autonomy.”
House Bill 3637 would ensure that if the FDA revokes its approval for a drug it previously approved prior to Jan. 1, 2025, the drug is protected under state law so long as its safety is backed up by peer-reviewed research and the World Health Organization continues recommending the drug. This aims to ensure access to mifepristone and other abortion medications should the current federal administration take steps to restrict approval of those drugs.
Additionally, the measure would prohibit the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and health care institutions from taking disciplinary or non-disciplinary action against a provider’s authorization to provide medical care under their scope of practice as long as the care is lawful in Illinois. The measure would apply regardless of whether a patient is an Illinois resident or not.
“In Illinois, we will do everything we can to protect our people from federal actions that threaten their rights,” said Villa. “Illinois will remain a safe haven where people have the right to choose and are empowered to make their own decisions regarding their health.”
House Bill 3637 passed the Senate on Thursday.
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