© 2024 NPR Illinois
The Capital's Community & News Service
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Illinois offers guide explaining reproductive rights under state law

IDHR

A new state guide explains the state's protections against discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, and reproductive health decisions related to pregnancy — including abortion.

Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overrule Roe v. Wade, many states have rolled back reproductive rights. In light of the ruling, Attorney General Kwame Raoul and the IDHR are issuing guidance to address questions Illinois residents may have about their rights to reproductive autonomy under Illinois law.

A news release points out the state protects the choice to have an abortion and treats abortion in the same manner as other kinds of health care.

The non-regulatory guidance clarifies Illinois’ anti-discrimination law as it relates to pregnancy and reproductive health decisions and identifies legal protections from pregnancy discrimination.

The guidance covers scenarios and examples of discrimination in a variety of settings, including in the workplace, housing, health care, schools, retail and service establishments, and other public accommodations. It is intended to help Illinois residents, employers, housing providers, and the business and health care communities better understand their rights and responsibilities concerning reproductive autonomy and how to avoid engaging in discrimination.

“Under Illinois law, everyone has the right to make decisions about their reproductive health free from discrimination,” Raoul said. “This guidance will assist women in exercising their rights, as well as help employers, housing providers, health care practitioners and others avoid discriminatory practices.”

“Reproductive rights are human rights,” said IDHR Director Jim Bennett. “The Illinois Human Rights Act provides one of the most comprehensive sets of civil rights protections in the nation, and today we outline how the Act protects women and all people who can become pregnant when it comes to their reproductive health and family planning decisions.”

The guidance discusses Illinois Human Rights Act protections against pregnancy discrimination, including discrimination based on potential or intended pregnancy, such as the use of fertility treatments to become pregnant, contraception to prevent a pregnancy or abortion to end a pregnancy.

The law also covers discrimination based on conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, postpartum depression, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, lactation, and breastfeeding.

The guidance addresses unlawful harassment and retaliation, and discusses reasonable accommodations for pregnancy and related conditions, like breastfeeding, in the context of workplaces, housing and public accommodations, like retail stores.

“Illinois trusts women and people to make decisions about their health, including reproductive care and is taking action to guard that right,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “These guidelines will help inform and uplift protections in place aimed at stopping discrimination and ensuring that all in our state can exercise self-determination over their lives and futures.”

Related Stories