SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A measure to expand preventative health care access for minors from state Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, is now law in Illinois.
“One of my most important priorities as a legislator is to make sure young people have the tools they need to live safe and healthy lives,” Harper said. “By expanding access to preventative health care for young people, we can make sure they have ability to reduce the risk of contracting illnesses, including sexually transmitted disease.”
Harper sponsored House Bill 2665 to give minors preventative health care access for care related to sexually transmitted disease or substance abuse without parental consent. Currently, minors in Illinois are only allowed to seek the diagnosis or treatment of a sexually transmitted disease or substance abuse disorder without parental consent. This bill moves Illinois to join over a dozen state in allowing minors to access preventive care in these areas, including birth control, HIV prevention medication and certain vaccines, such as the HPV vaccine.
“This bill is about improving the lives of all young people in Illinois by ensuring they can access the preventative health care they deserve,” Harper said. “I’m so thankful that my colleagues in the General Assembly and Governor J.B. Pritzker also recognized the need to expand preventative health careaccess for Illinois youth.”
Harper represents the 6th District, which includes all or portions of Armour Square, Bridgeport, Chicago Lawn, Englewood, Gage Park, Back of the Yards, Canaryville, New City, West Englewood, Marquette Park, South Loop and River North.
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