FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, October 20, 2021
Contact: Hannah Lee Flath, hannahlee.flath@sierraclub.org, 860-634-0225
SPRINGFIELD, IL -- In the midst of the recent surge in attacks on reproductive rights across the United States, Illinois has the opportunity to repeal the Parental Notice of Abortion Act during the General Assembly veto session and ensure that all Illinoisans have access to the full range of reproductive health care they need and deserve. Sierra Club supports the repeal of the Parental Notice of Abortion Act, which is the last major restriction to safe and legal abortion in our state, and urges legislators to vote yes.
Every leading medical organization publicly opposes forced parental involvement laws like the Parental Notice of Abortion Act because they impose serious and irreversible harms on young people. At the Sierra Club, we know protecting the human and natural environment means ensuring that everyone is able to lead healthy lives. Access to comprehensive health care, including reproductive health services, is essential to that collective goal.
“All people deserve the right to live in healthy and safe communities, communities that provide equitable access to clean air, clean water, and healthcare -- including the right to self-determination over reproductive health are inextricably linked,” says Sierra Club Illinois Director Jack Darin. “The environmental justice and reproductive justice movements both work to ensure that everyone can live in a safe environment and has the freedom to make decisions about their bodies, health, and environment. Repealing the Parental Notice of Abortion Act is a critical step to ensuring all Illinoisans are afforded their human rights, and the Sierra Club will continue to support our allies who work tirelessly to ensure safe healthcare and abortions for all people.”