New Illinois law expanding reproductive rights takes effect Jan. 1

CHICAGO – A new Illinois law that takes effect Jan. 1 prohibits discrimination based on a person’s reproductive health decisions, including fertility care and abortion.

Public Act 103-0785 prohibits discrimination on the basis of reproductive health decisions in employment, housing, financial credit and public accommodations.

“At a time when reproductive rights are under attack across the nation, Illinois is standing strong,” Gov. JB Pritzker said in a news release. “This law makes it clear: No one should face discrimination for making personal decisions about their reproductive health. Whether it’s fertility care or abortion, your choices are your own, and your rights are protected.”

The law clarifies and extends existing protections in the Illinois Human Rights Act, ensuring Illinoisans have the right to engage in reproductive health decision-making without facing discrimination.

“This legislation is more than a law – it’s a declaration of human dignity,” Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton said in a news release. “We’re affirming that personal medical decisions belong to individuals, not employers or institutions. Illinois is not just protecting a right; we’re championing a fundamental principle of personal autonomy and bodily integrity.”

Reproductive health decisions include a broad continuum of personal decisions regarding assisted reproductive technologies, such as in-vitro fertilization; prenatal, intranatal and postnatal care; abortion and birth control; fertility or sterilization care; and miscarriage management care. The protections apply across all areas of the legislation, advancing the state’s leadership in protecting reproductive rights.

“The law is a commonsense measure to ensure that personal decisions about reproductive care do not affect a person’s livelihood,” Illinois Department of Human Rights Director Jim Bennett said in a news release. “This law protects Illinoisans and visitors from discrimination or retaliation based on the decisions they need to make concerning whether, when and how to start a family.”

For questions regarding the Illinois Human Rights Act or IDHR’s rule and regulations, call 312-814-6262 or complete the Contact IDHR online form.

The IDHR enforces the Illinois Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination in connection with employment opportunities; housing and real estate transactions; access to financial credit; and the availability of public services and public accommodations, including educational institutions.

Any Illinoisan who believes they have been a victim of discrimination can file a complaint with the IDHR within two years of the date of the incident (effective Jan. 1) or within one year of a housing violation, according to a news release. To file a complaint with the IDHR, call 877-236-7703 or 711 for TTY users, or visit dhr.illinois.gov/filing-a-charge.