Gov. Pritzker Signs Reproductive Health Records Privacy Act
On anniversary of Dobbs decision, Governor Pritzker expands reproductive protections; Illinois expands contraceptive access in pharmacies
June 24, 2026
CHICAGO — Today, on the anniversary of the Dobbs decision, Governor JB Pritzker joined community members, legislators, and reproductive health advocates to sign the Reproductive Health Records Privacy Act, HB 5295, into law. Championed by State Rep. Mary Beth Canty and State Senator Celina Villanueva, the new law will safeguard patient privacy and prevent sensitive medical information from being shared out of state for those seeking safe and legal reproductive healthcare in Illinois.
Today, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) also issued an updated contraceptive standing order, expanding the ability of pharmacists to provide prescription birth control methods directly to Illinois residents. This measure will broaden the types of reproductive health products Illinoisans can easily access at their local pharmacies.
"Since Roe was overturned, we’ve seen women’s lives endangered by draconian measures limiting reproductive freedom across the country," said Governor JB Pritzker. “The State of Illinois will always stand up for women’s reproductive freedom while aggressively rejecting anti-woman, anti-choice policies. I'm proud to sign the Reproductive Health Records Privacy Act — which represents another step forward in protecting reproductive freedom."
“In the years since the Dobbs decision, we have seen the devastating consequences of attacks on reproductive freedom across the country,” said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. “Illinois remains committed to protecting the fundamental right to make personal healthcare decisions. By safeguarding reproductive health records and strengthening patient privacy, this law ensures that those seeking legal reproductive care in our state can do so with greater security, dignity, and peace of mind.”
Electronic medical records offer convenience, continuity, and consistency in healthcare delivery, but out-of-state parties can weaponize those records to punish people for receiving reproductive healthcare services in Illinois. One in four people who cross state lines for abortion services come to Illinois, and the Reproductive Health Records Privacy Act will ensure those records can remain private, helping patients access essential services without fear of losing healthcare access or facing criminalization in their home states.
Today’s bill signing marks the fourth anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling, which overturned Roe v. Wade and eliminated the federal constitutional right to abortion, shifting authority over abortion policy to the states. The Dobbs decision has been catastrophic and fatal for people living in states where abortion is now illegal. If care is delayed, disrupted, or out of reach, women can experience poorer outcomes, higher rates of preventable complications, and widening inequities, particularly for Black women, low-income families, and rural communities.
Under Governor Pritzker’s leadership, Illinois remains one of the few states in the Midwest that offers widespread access to reproductive healthcare, with the Guttmacher Institute declaring Illinois very protective in terms of its strong abortion policies and accessibility.
The Reproductive Health Records Privacy Act
With Governor Pritzker’s signature, the Reproductive Health Records Privacy Act cements Illinois’ status as a safe haven for comprehensive healthcare access and patient privacy. The bill goes into effect July 1, 2027. The legislation will:
- Prohibit entities that maintain or facilitate the transfer of health information, including health information exchanges and electronic health vendors, from sharing sensitive medical information across state lines.
- Require these entities to develop and enable the following features to protect patient privacy:
- Separate sensitive medical information from the rest of the patient’s record.
- Limit user access to sensitive medical information.
- Automatically disable access of sensitive medical information to people and entities outside of the state.
“With a radical federal government and right-wing state governments trying to eliminate abortion rights and curtail gender-affirming care options, it has never been more important to protect patients and their sensitive healthcare data,” said State Rep. Mary Beth Canty (D-Arlington Heights). “This law is a vital step toward securing privacy for people making deeply personal healthcare decisions and ensuring patients have the right to decide who sees their healthcare data.”
“This is about making sure women across our state don’t have to live in fear for seeking critical healthcare, especially abortion care, or face persecution if their private health records fall into a bad actor’s hands,” said State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago). “By requiring health information exchanges to implement new policies that protect sensitive health data, we’re taking a direct approach to protecting women and mitigating the harm of the 2022 Roe v. Wade overturning.”
“Illinois continues to be a target for anti-abortion extremists because our state serves as a critical access point for patients seeking reproductive healthcare,” said Adrienne White-Faines, President & CEO of Planned Parenthood Illinois Action. “That is why protecting patients’ privacy is not optional — it is essential. Everyone deserves to access the healthcare they need without fear that their personal, private, and sensitive medical information could be weaponized against them. HB 5295 strengthens Illinois’ commitment to safeguarding reproductive freedom by ensuring that abortion-related health information is better protected from misuse and out-of-state interference. We applaud Governor Pritzker for championing and signing this important legislation, which reinforces Illinois’ role as a national leader in protecting both access to care and the privacy rights of patients and providers.”
“Illinois is at the center of this public health crisis. Because of what we have built through decades of relentless organizing and the support of our champions in government, we have a strong network of providers, advocates, and abortion funds able to meet the moment,” said Sarah Garza Resnick, President & CEO of Personal PAC. “We stay nimble and respond to the issues our providers and their patients are facing through laws like HB 5295. We thank Governor Pritzker, Sen. Villanueva, and Rep. Canty for their leadership on this bill and their continued support for the abortion care ecosystem across Illinois.”
“For many patients across the country, including those fleeing states with harsh bans and increasing political attacks, Illinois is a beacon of hope and a safe haven for reproductive freedom, thanks to its protections for patients and providers alike,” said Margot Riphagen-Dunn, President & CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Rivers Action. “We thank Governor Pritzker for signing the Reproductive Health Privacy Act into law, ensuring patients can choose the healthcare that is right for their bodies and their futures and have peace of mind that their health information won't get into the wrong hands.”
Expanding Access to Reproductive Contraception in Pharmacies
In addition to protecting and expanding abortion rights, the Pritzker Administration has also ensured Illinoisans have widespread access to contraceptive and reproductive products. IDPH today expanded its standing order to enable pharmacists licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to prescribe a wider variety of products. The variety of products extends from self-administered emergency contraception and non-hormonal contraception to home pregnancy tests. IDPH's order allows some of these prescriptions to now be covered by Medicaid and certain insurance plans — a commitment to reduce costs for safe access to reproductive healthcare.
“Reproductive healthcare must be accessible, safe, timely, and centered around the needs of Illinois residents,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “By expanding this standing order, we are giving more people the ability to access contraception from trained pharmacists in their own communities. This action strengthens our commitment to reducing barriers to care and supporting Illinoisans in making informed decisions about their health.”
“We, in partnership with IDPH, remain firmly committed to ensuring that every person in Illinois has access to the critical reproductive care they need from qualified, licensed healthcare professionals,” said IDFPR Secretary Mario Treto, Jr.
Making Illinois a Safe Haven for Reproductive Rights
Governor Pritzker has fought tirelessly to expand reproductive rights in Illinois throughout his tenure. The Pritzker Administration has worked with the Illinois General Assembly to implement landmark reproductive health initiatives, including:
- Signing the Reproductive Health Act, ensuring autonomy in utilizing contraception, abortion, and maternity care.
- Repealing parental notification laws.
- Guaranteeing legal protections for providers who care for out-of-state patients.
- Increasing insurance coverage for reproductive healthcare needs.
- Providing appropriate and expeditious treatment to patients who present for abortions at clinics who need a higher level of care than can be provided at the clinics.
- Establishing a Reproductive Health Public Navigation hotline to assist patients with locating healthcare, transportation, housing, and financial support.
- Releasing the Illinois Birth Equity Blueprint to improve maternal healthcare and equitable birth outcomes.
- Strengthening reproductive healthcare access, making contraception and medication abortions more accessible in student health centers, and protecting medical providers.
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