SPRINGFIELD – Building upon Illinois’ shield laws that protect access to reproductive care, State Senator Karina Villa advanced a measure that would secure the licenses of health care providers and ensure access to abortion medications.

“The current federal administration presents a national threat to reproductive health care access,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “As we continue to see other states attempting to restrict care and impose their laws on people in Illinois, it is instrumental that we push back and fortify our laws to keep individuals and providers safe.”

House Bill 3637 would prohibit the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and health care institutions from taking disciplinary or non-disciplinary action against a provider’s authorization to provide medical care under their scope of practice as long as the care is lawful in Illinois. The measure would apply regardless of whether a patient is an Illinois resident or not.

Additionally, if the FDA revokes its approval for a drug it previously approved prior to Jan. 1, 2025, the measure would ensure 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 aims to ensure access to mifepristone and other abortion medications should the current federal administration take steps to restrict approval of those drugs.

“Safeguarding reproductive care means upholding the dignity, autonomy and the freedom for individuals to make their own decisions regarding their health,” said Villa. “In light of the federal administration’s proposal to cut funding for organizations that provide affordable reproductive care, including Planned Parenthood, Illinois must remain a safe haven for individuals seeking reproductive care.”

House Bill 3637 passed the Senate Executive Committee Wednesday.