Governor J.B. Pritzker signed new laws expanding abortion access on public college campuses while vowing to make Illinois a “safe haven” for out-of-state women seeking to terminate a pregnancy.
House Bill 3709 requires campus pharmacies to offer contraception and abortion pills, while House Bill 3637 strengthens Illinois’ shield law protecting providers from out of state prosecution. Governor Pritzker compared the fight over abortion rights to a comic book film.
One notable aspect of the event was the emphasis on student activists and their role in shaping the legislation. University of Illinois student Emma Darbo described how HB 3709 began.
HB 3709 sponsor, State Senator Celina Villanueva, a University of Illinois alumna, said she saw the legislation as part of a continuing tradition of campus activism.
Story from Illinois Radio Network
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