Mussman-Backed Bill Establishing New Rights for Expectant Mothers Takes Effect

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – Pregnant women will be guaranteed  new rights under legislation backed by state Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, which recently took effect on Jan. 1, 2020.

 “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimative that 700 women die each year from complications during pregnancy, yet 60% of these deaths are preventable,” Mussman said. “Action needed to be taken to help make sure that expectant mothers, especially women of color, are treated with the respect and care that they deserve during pregnancy.”

According to the Reproductive Health medical journal, over 1 in 6 women have experienced threats and verbal abuse as well as being refused medical treatment during pregnancy and childbirth. These rates were higher for women of color and women who had a partner of color. The Mussman-backed House Bill 2 aims to address these disparities by ensuring that women have the right to receive medical care, and be treated with respect by health care professionals at all times before, during and after pregnancy.

“This law clearly defines health care rights that Illinois mothers will be afforded during pregnancy and childbirth,” Mussman said. “I am proud to have helped pass such an important law, and hopeful that this will help mothers in Illinois receive the care they need and deserve.”