West Cook News

People living in poverty and racial minorities will have greater access to health care in Illinois. 

Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law House Bill 158 April 27, also known as the Health Care and Human Services Reform Act, which includes prenatal and childbirth services. 

"Signed. Sealed. Delivered. Today, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed HB 158, the health equity pillar of the Black Caucus," House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch (D-Westchester) said in an April 27 Facebook post. "It creates an Anti-Racism Commission, halts the closure of hospitals during COVID-19, and requires implicit bias training. Thank you, State Representative Camille Y. Lilly (D-Oak Park), for leading on this." 

The Health Care and Human Services Reform act was the final of four "pillars" on a social justice agenda by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus. Pritzker signed bills into law that health with criminal justice, the economy and education. The bill passed the Illinois General Assembly, with one Republican senator voting "yes." 

According to MDJ Online, HB 158 is a health care blueprint for Illinois, though most provision is subject to appropriations by lawmakers as opponents estimate it will cost $12 million.

At a news conference, lawmakers gathered to celebrate Pritzker's signing of the bill to eliminate race-based and other inequalities for the state's health care system while also expanding medical services to those underserved areas. 

In attendance at the news conference were Sen. Christopher Belts (D-Centreville) and Illinois Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Swansea). 

Several officials also remarked on the need for more access to prenatal care, childbirth care and postnatal care to black, Hispanic women and those in poverty after noting that black women are three times more likely to die in childbirth and six times more likely to die of pregnancy-related complications in Illinois than any other race.