Fact checked by Derick Wilder
Illinois has passed a law that will strengthen abortion privacy protections, potentially easing concerns about criminalization. The law prohibits the transfer of certain sensitive reproductive health information across state lines without the patient’s consent or another legal basis for disclosure.
The Reproductive Health Records Privacy Act takes effect July 1, 2027. Almost 40% of patients receiving abortion care in Illinois travel from another state for care. Illinois already has broad legal protections for reproductive healthcare, a draw for people from states where abortion is banned or heavily restricted.
The new law will give people greater control over how electronic medical networks share their health information with providers. Megan Jeyifo, executive director of the Chicago Abortion Fund, says the law will help protect nonresidents who return home after receiving abortion care. The law also applies to Illinois residents who later move to another state.
Under the law, certain reproductive health information will be kept separate from the person’s general medical record, and the law restricts access by anyone outside of Illinois. People may sue if their privacy is violated. The law still permits some disclosures without patient authorization for purposes such as technical support, quality assurance, and billing. People may still choose to share their medical history with providers verbally.
