Ringing in the new year, the Illinois legislature passed over 180 laws, most implemented Jan. 1, 2023. These laws cover a variety of different matters, an important one being women’s rights. Below is a look at 5 new policies as of 2023 that will expand and support women’s equality.

The Family Bereavement Leave Act (SB 3120): On March 30, 2022, a proposal to amend The Child Bereavement Leave Act was passed by the House. The new bill, The Family Bereavement Leave Act went into effect Jan. 1, 2023. According to Bloomberg Law, the amendment requires companies with 50 or more employees to cover a leave of absence for the death of a child, miscarriages, failed or non-finalized adoptions, failed assisted reproductive procedures, failed surrogacy agreements, a diagnosis affecting fertility, and stillbirths.

Helping women afford treatment (HB 5254): On May 13, 2022 this bill was approved by Governor Pritzker to amend the Illinois Insurance Code. This amendment requires that any individual policy of accident and health insurance or a managed care plan will provide coverage for hormone therapy to treat menopause caused by a hysterectomy. According to The Illinois General Assembly, this will amend 8 different insurance acts and codes. 

Amends Illinois Insurance Code (HB 4271): Another amendment to Illinois Insurance Codes in favor of women’s rights was made public on May 6, 2022. In bill HB4271, all insurances are required to cover medically necessary breast reduction surgery. These changes are seen in the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971, the Counties Code, the Illinois Municipal Code, the School Code, the Health Maintenance Organization, the Limited Health Service Organization Act, and the Voluntary Health Services Plans Act (billtrack50).

Prenatal Vitamin Coverage (HB 04338): A third amendment to the Illinois Insurance Code was passed on May 27, 2022. This new law “requires insurance policies that cover prescription drugs to also cover prenatal vitamins when they are prescribed by a licensed physician,” (abcnews.com). 

Sports License Plates (HB 04434): J.B Pritzker signed a law during the summer of 2022 that expands the options of professional sports license plates available in Illinois. The Chicago Red Stars, The Chicago Fire, and The Chicago Sky were added to the license plate options. The Chicago Sky, Chicago’s professional women’s basketball team, is the first women’s sports team represented in the official Illinois license plates (WJOL).