SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy supported a measure Monday that protects the fundamental right in Illinois for people to make their own health care choices, and provide privacy and protections for individuals who seek reproductive health care in Illinois.

“Everyone deserves to have access to safe and legal reproductive health care,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “We must preserve the right of women and the professionals who perform these services.”

Through House Bill 4664 many avenues of protecting choice are enshrined, including in vitro fertilization, creating grants to provide abortion training, clarifying advance practice nurses can perform abortions, and more.

Illinois residents and health care providers will not be penalized for providing or utilizing care that is illegal in other states but legal in Illinois.

“This blanket protection for reproductive health care ensures that Illinois remains a step ahead of states trying to outlaw such care,” said Murphy. “Women have the fundamental right to make their own health care decisions, and should not be punished due to restrictive, overarching laws.”

House Bill 4664 passed the Senate Monday and will head to the House for further consideration.