Villa law safeguards reproductive care
- Details
SPRINGFIELD – Following the federal administration suggesting plans to restrict abortion medications, State Senator Karina Villa sponsored a new law to ensure reproductive care remains accessible in Illinois.
“Abortions save lives. Denying care to any woman will lead to unrepairable harm and even death, which is preventable,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “In Illinois, we trust women. We will continue to strengthen a woman’s right to choose and ensure reproductive care is accessible to all in our state.”
The new law ensures that if the FDA revokes its approval for a drug it previously approved prior to Jan. 1, 2025, the drug is protected under state law so long as its safety is backed up by peer-reviewed research and the World Health Organization continues recommending the drug. This ensures access to mifepristone and other abortion medications should the current federal administration take steps to restrict approval of those drugs.
Villanueva law expands reproductive health care access on college campuses
- Details
SPRINGFIELD – To ensure young adults can access reproductive health care without unnecessary barriers, a new law led by State Senator Celina Villanueva expands access to contraception and medication abortion directly on college campuses across Illinois.
“Young people shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to access basic health care,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “This law meets students where they are—on campus—and affirms their right to make decisions about their own bodies with dignity and convenience.”
House Bill 3709 requires all public colleges and universities in Illinois to provide students with access to a health care provider who can prescribe contraception and medication abortion starting in the 2025–2026 academic year. If a campus has an on-site pharmacy, it must fill those prescriptions upon request—giving students the option to avoid third-party providers if they choose.
Read more: Villanueva law expands reproductive health care access on college campuses
Harris secures $52 million project for Nursing Center at South Suburban College
- Details
SOUTH HOLLAND – State Senator Napoleon Harris III attended a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday to celebrate the start of construction on the Allied Health & Nursing Center at South Suburban College.
“Today marks a proud moment for the Southland as we break ground on a project 15 years in the making,” said Harris (D-Harvey). “This $52 million investment will transform South Suburban College by helping build up the next generation of health care professionals right here in our community.”
The new Allied Health & Nursing Center will provide state-of-the-art classrooms, advanced simulation labs, and collaborative learning spaces designed to expand SSC’s capacity to train the next generation of healthcare professionals. The facility will directly address the region’s critical need for skilled nurses, medical technicians and allied health specialists while strengthening partnerships with local hospitals, clinics and care providers.
Read more: Harris secures $52 million project for Nursing Center at South Suburban College
Edly-Allen-backed Dillon’s Law prepares communities to act on allergic reactions
- Details
SPRINGFIELD – According to the Food Allergy Research & Education organization (FARE), 33 million Americans have a food allergy, with the most common allergies including milk, tree nuts, shellfish and peanuts. To help those having an allergic reaction, Illinoisans will soon have easier access to epinephrine under a new law championed by State Senator Mary Edly-Allen and House Assistant Majority Leader Maurice West.
“Dillon’s Law is common-sense legislation that helps our communities become better equipped to help someone experiencing an allergic reaction,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “If a person does not know they have an allergy, they may not have access to epinephrine, which is why this law could help save so many lives.”
House Bill 2462, modeled after a law passed in Wisconsin in 2017, is named after 18-year-old Dillon Mueller, who died in 2014 after being stung by a bee without any previous knowledge of an allergy. No epinephrine was available in the first aid kits of either the Eagle Scout with him or the arriving first responders. This new law allows individuals who are properly trained to carry and administer the epinephrine to individuals having an allergic reaction.
Read more: Edly-Allen-backed Dillon’s Law prepares communities to act on allergic reactions
More Articles …
Page 1 of 721
Follow ILSenDems
Member News
-
SPRINGFIELD – A new law led by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel will streamline local municipal services, allowing the city of Joliet to absorb the Southeast Joliet Sanitary District. “Joliet is well equipped to ensure a smooth transition between th... -
SPRINGFIELD — To reinforce the supportive role of the Department of Children and Family Services, State Senator Robert Peters led a new law to remove the agency’s authority to operate its own law enforcement agency. “Families who are in need of DCFS’ s... -
SPRINGFIELD — With increasing threats to public health emerging from the intersection of human, animal and environmental factors, a new law spearheaded by State Senator Julie Morrison will create the One Health Commission — a unique collaboration amo... -
SPRINGFIELD – The use of therapy dogs to aid people struggling with PTSD and anxiety has steadily increased nationwide. Over 50,000 therapy dogs are in service today. State Senator Mary Edly-Allen championed a law that will increase the number of the... -
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin’s effort to protect rural auctioneers was signed into law Friday. “We are working to protect local and rural auctioneers from unregulated online auctions and give bidders peace of mind when they make their tran...
SPRINGFIELD OFFICE
(217) 782-2728
309 State House
Springfield, IL 62706
 © 2025 Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus    |
CHICAGO OFFICE
(312) 814-2075
160 N. LaSalle St., Ste. 720
Chicago, IL 60601