Former Chicago mayor backs effort to seal women's reproductive health info in court records
Lightfoot calls for protecting women's privacy in reproductive health court records
We've got details on a new initiative announced on Tuesday, looking to protect the privacy of women whose reproductive health information appears in court records. Currently, many of those records are available to the public, something advocates want to see changed.
CHICAGO - A new initiative unveiled Tuesday aims to safeguard the privacy of women whose reproductive health details are disclosed in court records, a concern echoed by advocates seeking reform.
Currently, many records are accessible to the public, prompting calls for change. These records encompass various legal scenarios, including cases involving crimes against women, divorces and orders of protection.
The Privacy Rights Initiative proposes the automatic sealing of court records containing women's reproductive health information.
Collaborative efforts involving multiple organizations are underway to devise strategies for reviewing records and deploying technology to implement this measure. Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot voiced her support for the initiative.
Leaders advocating for this cause are not only targeting Cook County but also aiming for statewide implementation and envisioning a blueprint for nationwide adoption.