Sunday marks the 50th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, when the U.S. Supreme
Court issued its landmark decision that set precedent for all to have
bodily autonomy and the right to make their own health care decisions,
including abortions. But 49 years after the ruling, a very different
Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade amid a growing radical,
reactionary movement that perpetrates anti-bodily autonomy, anti-woman
and anti-gay prejudice across this nation. What should be a celebration
is today a time of mourning for the loss of nearly 50 years of federal
protections. The
state of Illinois continues to be a beacon of hope for those seeking
reproductive care in the Midwest. In solidarity, 26 Illinois
organizations have signed on to this letter to stand firmly with our
state legislature in its commitment to protect and defend abortion
rights justice. We are proud that Illinois is uniquely positioned to
lead others in protecting our residents and those who come here to seek
the care that they cannot receive in their own states.
Just
in the last few weeks, our state legislators passed legislation that
will protect access to abortion in Illinois from out-of-state meddling.
The bill, fully supported and signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker,
will shield reproductive and gender-affirming health care patients and
providers from legal action originating across state lines where such
care is being restricted. It will also protect the Illinois licenses of
health care providers licensed in multiple states who provide treatment
in our state. Other components deal with insurance costs and with
licensing nurse practitioners and others to provide these services.
As other states look to further restrict abortion access, Illinois is finding ways to ensure that it is available to all.
In
his inaugural address, Pritzker proposed a constitutional amendment
guaranteeing abortion access. We know that the future of abortion
justice begins at the local and state levels. We applaud Pritzker for
this step and will work to support the passage of this important
amendment.
As
we mark the 50th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, we must remember that we
are not truly free unless we can control our own bodies, lives and
futures. We call upon all Illinoisans to join together in building a
strong future for reproductive justice for all.
Carole Levine, chair, Courts Matter Illinois, Chicago