Pritzker launches new initiatives to protect reproductive health and access

CHICAGO - Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker made a vow Monday to protect reproductive health in Illinois.

Speaking at the University of Illinois Chicago, Pritzker announced a $5 million capital grant program to support reproductive health care providers that are experiencing increased demand.

The state is also partnering with hospitals and the Chicago Abortion Fund to create a hospital navigation programs. CARLA, or Complex Abortion Regional Line for Access, will launch in August.

"We're being bold and unapologetic about our welcoming of people who are trying to exercise their basic freedoms, their reproductive rights and we'll continue to do that," Pritzker said.

"As you've heard we've made investments to try to prepare for the influx of people coming from out of state and of course our surrounding states is where a majority of those people are from. Having said that they're coming from a thousand miles away sometimes as well." 

The governor vowed to "fight against a rising tide of hate" and protect women’s reproductive rights. He says he will do everything in his power to make sure people have a choice.

"I'm happy to announce a first in the nation program known as CARLA, Complex Abortion Regional Line for Access. It's intended to reduce disparities for hospital-based abortion care and speed up medically urgent referrals," Pritzker said.

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Just last week, Pritzker signed a law targeting crisis pregnancy centers to counter what he calls misinformation and deceptive practices discouraging abortions.

The state has also extended healthcare providers from protections legal action for treating patients from out of state, which is timely as a near-total abortion ban will take effect in Indiana on Tuesday.