Time to modernize health care law

This year, representatives in Springfield will have an opportunity to modernize the laws in our state around reproductive health care. It is surprising - and even disappointing as a woman and a mother - to know that much of the Illinois law that governs reproductive care (including abortion and some birth control) is in the criminal code. Yes. Abortion care - and some forms of birth control - are still treated as a crime by Illinois law.

Even though the courts have blocked parts of this law on a number of occasions (14 at last count) it is time to update the law. Threats to reproductive health care coming from Washington, D.C., and the surrounding states are very real. Women in Illinois deserve the ability to decide when - and if - to become a parent.

The Reproductive Health Act finally modernizes and updates these laws in Illinois. It is time for this to happen in Springfield, and my hope is that my representative, Michelle Mussman, will support this bill when it is considered in the House.

Tracey Salvatore

Schaumburg