Prairie State Wire

In a recent statement, Illinois Director of Public Health Sameer Vohra reaffirmed the state's commitment to providing comprehensive emergency care services to pregnant patients. This announcement comes in response to the Trump administration's decision on June 3, 2025, to rescind a 2022 U.S. Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) guidance mandating hospitals provide all life-saving emergency care, including abortions when necessary.

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) have emphasized their dedication to ensuring residents receive essential medical services. "Illinois patients will be protected, regardless of federal government backpedaling," stated Vohra. Recent legislative actions have incorporated the protections of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) into state law.

The Illinois Hospital Emergency Services Act, along with guidelines approved by the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR), mandates that hospitals continue offering necessary care. These rules are currently effective, with further details expected after their official posting on Friday, June 6.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) released a new practice advisory on June 2nd regarding care for patients experiencing premature rupture of membranes. The advisory highlights situations where timely access to abortion can be critical for saving a mother's life.

Vohra assured that "the Illinois Department of Public Health is ready to assist anyone who believes they were denied their right to adequate care in any medical facility in the state." He also expressed gratitude towards Governor Pritzker, the Illinois General Assembly, and JCAR for maintaining Illinois as a state committed to providing essential healthcare services.