SPRINGFIELD — Women in Illinois will soon have improved access to information about fertility and family planning under a new law from State Senator Glowiak Hilton.

“Women deserve to know all of their options when making informed decisions about their future,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “This law equips them with science-backed fertility information so they can plan with confidence.”

According to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the ability for a woman to get pregnant starts to decline at age 30. To assess a woman’s likelihood of getting pregnant on their own, health care providers can use ovarian reserve testing — a blood test and ultrasound — to estimate the number of healthy eggs in a woman’s ovaries.

SPRINGFIELD — A new law from State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton will strengthen protections for children in the foster care system by ensuring individuals with trafficking convictions are barred from serving as foster or adoptive guardians.

“When gaps in the system allow vulnerable children to be placed in harm’s way, it’s our responsibility to make changes,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “This legislation came in response to real, troubling situations – not hypotheticals.”

The new law, under House Bill 871, prohibits the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services from placing children in foster or adoptive homes where any household member has a conviction related to human or sex trafficking.

SPRINGFIELD — Thanks to a new law from State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton, Illinois joins a growing list of states banning the sale of at-home sexual assault evidence collection kits, which experts say raise concerns about reliability and privacy.

“No one should be misled into thinking an at-home kit can replace the expert care of a medical professional,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “These kits give the illusion of privacy and control, but they can ultimately undermine a survivor’s ability to press charges.”

In Illinois, medical forensic exams are offered at no cost, and in addition to addressing physical trauma, a trained crisis advocate provides emotional supports and explains the survivor’s rights and options. Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners conduct the exams, collect evidence according to established protocols and can testify in court if necessary.

SPRINGFIELD – After experiencing a sexual assault, survivors often face the added stress of arranging a ride to a safe location once their medical exam is complete. To help ease this burden, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton championed a new law that expands the state’s sexual assault services voucher program to cover transportation following treatment.

“For someone who experienced trauma and found the strength to seek medical help, not having the means to get to their next location is overwhelming,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “Expanding the state’s voucher program helps ensure survivors are cared for every step of the way, including after they leave the hospital.”

After an individual receives medical care for a sexual assault, hospitals issue a voucher that a patient can use for related health care expenses. The voucher is valid for 90 days from the date of their hospital visit and can be used to cover costs of ambulance rides, medical forensic or laboratory services, pharmacy expenses and follow-up health care treatment.

Under Glowiak Hilton’s new law, the list of eligible expenses covered by the voucher will include taxi or rideshare services, such as Uber or Lyft, for a survivor to return home or to the transferring hospital, or to reach a shelter.