Lilly’s Pregnancy and Childbirth Rights Measure Now Law

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.  – A measure from state Rep. Camille Y. Lilly, D-Chicago, to ensure pregnancy and childbirth rights for women is now law in Illinois.

“Too many mothers and expectant mothers are not being treated with the respect they deserve as patients in our medical system,” Lilly said. “With maternal deaths rising in the United States in a nation that already has the worst maternal mortality rate among similar countries, it is time that we ensure that women are being treated with the respect and care they deserve during pregnancy.”

Lilly sponsored House Bill 2 to delineate childbirth and pregnancy rights for women in response to concerns about maternity care. The medical journal Reproductive Health reported that over one in six women experienced threats, verbal abuse, and even being refused in their requests for help by medical professionals during pregnancy and childbirth. These rates were higher for women of color and women who had a partner of color. Lilly’s law aims to remedy this by ensuring that women have the right to receive health care before, during and after pregnancy and childbirth, that they have the right to receive care for themselves and their child consistent with generally accepted medical standards, and that they have the right to be treated with respect by health care professionals at all times before, during and after pregnancy.

“Respecting women means taking their health care concerns and needs seriously, especially during pregnancy and childbirth,” Lilly said. “Thankfully, this law will clearly define the health care rights that Illinois women have during pregnancy and childbirth.”