Pritzker signs bill aimed at protecting reproductive health records
The measure prevents medical information related to abortion care from being shared outside the state without a patient's consent.
It strengthens privacy protections in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court's Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade four years ago Wednesday.
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Since then, one out of three patients who come to Chicago's Family Planning Associates for abortion care are from out-of-state.
Pritzker says the law will help ensure patients maintain control over their private health information while seeking legal care in Illinois.
The SCOTUS decision prompted bans and restrictive abortion laws in several states, but not Illinois.
During the past four years, the state has intentionally positioned itself as a national haven for abortion care.
Family Planning Associates Chief Medical Officer Dr. Allison Cowett treats patients from all over the country, many from southern states.
"They are folks who are trying to finish school; they are people who have pregnancies with complications or who have health problems that make pregnancy dangerous for them," Cowett said.
Under Pritzker, Illinois has passed several measures protecting abortion access.
"It will prohibit healthcare providers and insurers from disclosing a patient's abortion or gender-affirming care records to out of state providers, employers or other third parties without explicit consent," said state Rep. Mary Beth Canty, a Democrat and legislation co-sponsor.
Democratic lawmakers and advocates say the legislation is necessary because HIPAA laws do not prevent healthcare providers from sharing information with other healthcare providers.
"Patients are most likely to be criminalized by a healthcare provider," Cowett said.
"No state should be allowed to weaponize medical information in an effort to undermine rights that are protected here," Pritzker said.
Anti-abortion rights advocates will continue the fight for restrictions and bans. On Wednesday, they held a small demonstration on Michigan Avenue.
"This is the No. 1 state for abortion travel right now; Chicago Bears are leaving Illinois. Soon, abortion is all we are going to be known for, all that is left," said Eric Scheidler, Pro-Life Action League director.
In addition, Pritzker issued a standing order for pharmacists who complete the proper training to dispense most forms of prescription contraception for patients without a doctor's visit.