Springfield, IL (WAND) – Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill into law Friday allowing minors to have easier access to contraception. Sponsors believe this law removes outdated language from a law adopted in 1970.
The law states that minors can consent to receiving contraceptive services or supplies without permission from another person. That means minors will be able to ask for birth control from doctors, advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants, or pharmacists.
Rep. Dagmara Avelar (D-Romeoville) said access to contraception is an essential way for young people to take control of their lives and futures.
“What is outdated here is that our contraception statute still reflects an older category-based framework tied to things like marriage, pregnancy, parenthood, referral, or serious health hazard rather than a clear statement of access,” Avelar said.
Republicans argue that parents should be involved in any discussion about birth control. They also said this law could harm many young girls across the state.
“This is really sad,” said Rep. Travis Weaver (R-Pekin). “There’s women that I care deeply about struggling to get pregnant because they were put on birth control at age 14 when their doctor was ignorant on the issue, as were the parents in their lives. Now, we’re so much smarter about this, but we’re not allowing adults to be present in the room at the time when their child is making that decision.”
Democrats said Illinois will not follow along with the national movement to stigmatize birth control use and spread misinformation. They stress that no young person should lose access to contraception because politicians decide they know better than patients and healthcare providers.
“When you don’t know any better, you could go into a place where they’ll probably try to low-key force you to continue with a pregnancy when you don’t want to,” Avelar said.
Senate Bill 3341 received partisan votes in both chambers. The new law will take effect Jan. 1.
