SPRINGFIELD, IL (Chambana Today) – The State of Illinois is reaffirming that pregnant women in the state have the right to the full range of life-saving care, including abortions, in emergency rooms.
This is in response to the Trump administration’s action that rescinded guidance requiring hospitals to provide access to abortions if it meant saving the life of the mother.
“I have made protecting and expanding reproductive rights a top priority and in Illinois, providing the full range of reproductive care for anyone facing life-threatening emergencies is enshrined in state law,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This cruel action by the Trump administration creates confusion for healthcare providers and is one more example of how the Dobbs decision has diminished maternal health and healthcare for all woman across the country.”
An amendment to the Illinois Hospital Emergency Services Act requires pregnant women in Illinois hospital emergency departments are able to access life-saving, medically necessary care. This comes with the Trump administration’s Department of Health and Human Services rescinded guidance, which was originally issued by the Biden administration in July 2022. The guidance followed U.S. Supreme Court’s Dobbs the constitutional right to abortion.
“IDPH is working to ensure that all Illinois hospitals are informed and aware of their obligation under the Illinois Hospital Emergency Services Act,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “Hospitals and health care providers have the responsibility to provide necessary healthcare to protect the life and health of everyone in a medical emergency, including abortions when warranted.”