Springfield— On the heels of the largest women's demonstration in history and a definitive message sent to newly elected President Donald Trump, a state lawmaker is asking Illinois to send a message of its own.
State Representative Feigenholtz has introduced House Bill 40, legislation that protects a women's right to choose in Illinois. After repeated threats that are becoming reality every day we turn on the news, HB 40 aims to keep Illinois a state where abortion is legal and safe at all income levels.
House Bill 40 strikes the dangerous 'trigger' provision of 1975, which is currently in state statute. By removing the anti-choice trigger language and updating the original 1975 act, access to safe, legal abortion will be one step closer to being protected in Illinois. This will allow women's healthcare to be protected in Illinois regardless of decisions made in Washington.
"Donald Trump has made clear his belief is that Abortion should become illegal and has already taken steps and made threats that strip the right to choose away from women," said Rep. Feigenholtz, who has been a champion of women's health issues during her time in the General Assembly.
"These and other dangerous and discriminatory thoughts are why women from across the globe gathered in the largest collective peaceful protest on the planet to send the White House a message, and it's why we must act now in Illinois," added Feigenholtz.
HB 40 also removes discriminatory provisions from Illinois law that denies insurance coverage of an abortion to many women who depend on Medicaid and State Employee Health Insurance.
"Every woman, regardless of whether she has private or government health insurance should have affordable and comprehensive health care coverage," said Brigid Leahy, Director of Public Policy for Planned Parenthood of Illinois. "Women should not be denied abortion coverage because of how much they earn. Access to full coverage enables a woman to make personal health decisions based on what is best for her and her family," added Leahy.
If passed, Illinois would join 15 other states that provide women with health assistance funds that cover the full range of pregnancy-related care including a woman's decision to end a pregnancy.
For more information, contact Feigenholtz's constituent services office at ( 773 ) 296-4141 orsara@staterepsara.com .
