ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL CONVENES ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION WITH REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS AND PRIVATE LAWFIRMS ON DEFENDING ACCESS TO REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SERVICES

 

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL CONVENES ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION WITH REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS AND PRIVATE LAWFIRMS ON DEFENDING ACCESS TO REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SERVICES 

Raoul Discusses Defending the Legal Rights of Abortion Patients and Providers 

Chicago – Attorney General Kwame Raoul convened a roundtable meeting with representatives of leading abortion access organizations and representatives from top law firms in Illinois to discuss ways to address an anticipated rising need for pro bono legal representation of abortion providers, patients and support groups. 

“As states around the country, particularly those surrounding Illinois, ban or severely restrict abortion, we are concerned about other states’ laws instilling fear, curbing access to abortion, and punishing patients and providers in Illinois. The legal community must unite to meet these challenges,” Raoul said. “As the legal landscape around abortion changes rapidly, no one should fear legal ramifications for seeking or providing essential health care services in Illinois. I appreciate everyone who participated in this discussion to kick off what I hope will be an ongoing collaborative effort to protect abortion patients and providers in Illinois.” 

During the meeting, reproductive rights organizations described the legal issues they have faced following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and how private law firms could help fulfill needs for pro bono legal representation. These organizations said they anticipate a continued fight against legal issues amid the evolving legal landscape. 

Representatives from Illinois law firms provided information about their pro bono programs and explained how their firms’ representation have supported reproductive rights. 

The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision overturning Roe v. Wade in June has led to at least 13 states banning or severely restricting access to abortion, while additional states like Indiana have bans that could go into effect if challengers lose in court. 

While Illinois law protects access to reproductive health care as a fundamental right and federal law ensures the constitutional right to interstate travel, states like Texas have passed laws seeking to impede residents’ ability to travel to states like Illinois to obtain an abortion. Providers who perform reproductive health care services in Illinois on out-of-state patients are concerned they could face ruinous civil and criminal liability in other states, whose laws are changing rapidly. 

In addition to the financial and logistical hurdles of traveling long distances for abortion care, out-of-state patients also fear legal repercussions when they return home to a state that has banned abortion.  

Raoul gave an overview of his office’s work to protect abortion access in Illinois and to advocate for access beyond the state’s borders, including by: 

Issuing a Know your Rights Guide informing the public that they have a protected right to an abortion in Illinois. 

Sending a letter to Illinois law enforcement instructing that abortion is not a crime in Illinois. 

Publishing a consumer alert with tips on how individuals can protect their sensitive personal information and digital footprints while using apps and online platforms. 

Regularly filing amicus briefs in court in support of reproductive rights. 

Convening state attorneys general and representatives from the U.S. Department of Justice to learn about enforcement of the federal FACE Act and promoting communication between federal and state law enforcement to protect the safety of those providing and accessing reproductive health services. 

  

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