Rep. Barbara Hernandez Passes Breast Pump Parity Law, Advances Reproductive Rights in Illinois

AURORA, Ill. – Continuing to spearhead progress for reproductive rights in Illinois, state Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, recently had her measure to make breast pumps more affordable made law by Gov. Pritzker as part of a tax relief package to combat the effects of inflation hitting Illinois families.

“New parents—and low-income single mothers especially—deserve unobstructed access to all the recommended medication, supplies and services they need to raise happy and healthy children. We are making great progress towards achieving that goal, and passing a law lowering the cost of breast pumps is a big step,” Hernandez said. “Breast pumps play a huge role helping mothers care for their newborn children. They are practically a necessity, so letting their cost spiral out of control is not an option.”

Hernandez’s measure will lower the cost of breast pumps by creating a special exemption from sales taxes. It was codified into law on Friday as part of a larger legislative package signed by Gov. Pritzker. The measures included in the law, Senate Bill 157, are all targeted at lowering the cost of living for Illinois families and small businesses. This focus is part of a coordinated effort to combat recent inflation hurting low-income Illinoisans.

Hernandez has already taken numerous steps to address the high cost and low accessibility of some reproductive health products. These include measures to ensure prenatal vitamins are covered by health insurance and expanding access to menstrual hygiene products in schools.

“With high inflation across the country, Illinois families are facing a lot right now,” Hernandez said. “It is essential that we pass a wide range of measures to ease the financial burden they are bearing. Our recent budget for the coming year made a lot of progress in this area, and more legislative solutions are coming. I thank Governor Pritzker for signing such important legislation into law.”