Starting January 1st, Illinois will enforce a new law ensuring that no individual faces discrimination based on their reproductive health decisions. This legislation, signed into effect by Governor JB Pritzker, extends protections against discrimination in areas including employment, housing, and financial services. It covers a wide range of reproductive decisions, from fertility treatments to abortion. “This law is a declaration of human dignity,” stated Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. Illinois Department of Human Rights Director Jim Bennett emphasized that the law is vital for protecting both residents and visitors from facing any repercussions at work or in public based on their personal medical choices. This move reaffirms Illinois’s role as a leader in advocating for reproductive rights.
“At a time when reproductive rights are under attack across the nation, Illinois is standing strong,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This law makes it clear: no one should face discrimination for making personal decisions about their reproductive health. Whether it’s fertility care or abortion, your choices are your own, and your rights are protected.”
“This legislation is more than a law—it’s a declaration of human dignity,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “We’re affirming that personal medical decisions belong to individuals, not employers or institutions. Illinois is not just protecting a right; we’re championing a fundamental principle of personal autonomy and bodily integrity.”
“The law is a common-sense measure to ensure that personal decisions about reproductive care do not affect a person’s livelihood,” said Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) Director Jim Bennett. “This law protects Illinoisans and visitors from discrimination or retaliation based on the decisions they need to make concerning whether, when, and how to start a family.”
Reproductive health decisions include a broad continuum of personal decisions regarding assisted reproductive technologies, such as in-vitro fertilization, prenatal, intranatal, and postnatal care as well as abortion and birth control, fertility or sterilization care, and miscarriage management care. The protections apply across all areas of the Act, advancing the state’s leadership in protecting reproductive rights.
For questions regarding the Illinois Human Rights Act or IDHR’s rules and regulations, call (312) 814-6262 or complete the Contact IDHR online form.
