Avelar Defends Reproductive Health Rights in Wake of Overturning of Roe v. Wade

BOLINGBROOK, Ill. – State Rep. Dagmara “Dee” Avelar, D-Bolingbrook, issued the following statement in response to the overturn of Roe v. Wade:

“Today the U.S. Supreme Court — a body made mostly of men — decided to discard decades of settled law and strip women and people who may become pregnant of their right to bodily autonomy and reproductive health care. The health and safety of so many Americans hangs in the balance because of this dangerous, reckless decision.

“In a country with the highest maternal mortality rate of the developed world, a recent baby formula shortage and barriers to accessing affordable child care, denying someone the reproductive health care they need has serious consequences. These consequences are compounded for people of color, who face even higher maternal mortality rates than their white counterparts. As we grapple with the fall of Roe v. Wade, we must make sure our response protects and prioritizes these communities.

“Abortion will remain safe and legal in Illinois, thanks to protections within the Reproductive Health Care Act. I voted to repeal the Parental Notification of Abortion Act and helped pass a reproductive health package this past session to further enshrine the right to an abortion within Illinois state law. But we can and must do more. I am grateful to Gov. Pritzker for calling a special legislative session so that we can strengthen protections for and expand access to reproductive health care. As abortion becomes restricted across the nation, I will continue to fight to ensure Illinois remains a strong defender and provider of safe abortions and reproductive health care.”