Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) and IL State Senator Celina Villanueva met on March 4th with stakeholders in the field of reproductive health to discuss the current challenges of reproductive rights in their communities. The roundtable also focused on working with advocates to identify opportunities for the protection and advancement of reproductive rights. Participants included representatives from Planned Parenthood of Illinois, Mujeres Latinas en Acción, ACLU of Illinois, Chicago Abortion Fund, University of Chicago, Healthy Communities Foundation, Equality Illinois, Cook County Health, EverThrive Illinois, and the AIDS Foundation Chicago. 

“Expanding reproductive rights is a critical part of protecting the health and lives of millions of individuals, who have seen their access to care jeopardized by extreme Republicans’ attack on reproductive freedom,” said Rep. García. “In Illinois, we will always defend people’s right to make their own decisions on health care and their bodies. In Washington, I continue fighting to protect reproductive freedoms and to protect our health care providers. 

“Abortion is health care and everyone, no matter their income, immigration status or zip code should be able to have access to it,” said State Sen. Villanueva. “We must keep working in partnership with our local advocates to ensure Chicago continues to be a safe haven in the Midwest and to ensure the organizations that offer reproductive health services can help all who seek help, whether from Illinois or from other states.”

Photo Credit: Office of Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García