Villanueva champions measure to address deceptive practices interfering with reproductive health care

SPRINGFIELD – In continuing the fight for reproductive rights for women, State Senator Celina Villanueva passed legislation that prevents crisis pregnancy centers from using deceptive practices that interfere with women’s health care decisions.

“We must ensure that women who are seeking reproductive health care are protected from deceptive and misleading practices,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “At a time when they are already vulnerable, they must have peace of mind that they won’t be taken advantage of. Health care – in all forms – should be safe and transparent.”

Senate Bill 1909 prohibits the use of deceptive practices to interfere with an individual seeking to gain entry or access to the provider of an abortion or emergency contraceptives, induce an individual to enter a limited services pregnancy center, in advertising, soliciting, or otherwise offering pregnancy-related services, or in providing pregnancy-related services.

While crisis pregnancy centers may advertise themselves as health care clinics, many of these facilities provide very limited services, such as basic ultrasounds and counseling intended to discourage and limit access to abortion. Some centers are located near clinics that provide comprehensive reproductive health care and use names similar to these clinics in order to misdirect patients. Many provide misleading information overstating the risks associated with abortion, including conveying false claims that abortion causes cancer or infertility.

“Deceptive practices at crisis pregnancy centers –such as delayed prenatal care – can lead to severe health conditions that women may have to live with for the rest of their lives,” said Villanueva. “As Illinois has become an oasis for reproductive health care since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, it is our responsibility to keep fighting for residents to have access to choice without consequence.”

Senate Bill 1909 passed the Senate Executive Committee on Wednesday and heads to the Senate floor for further consideration.

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Villanueva advances legislation that supports students seeking need-based education financial assistance

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Celina Villanueva advanced legislation that prevents students from changing their legal guardianship in an effort to qualify for need-based financial aid for college.

“When it comes to furthering education with limited resources, students will go to extreme measures to ensure a brighter future for themselves,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “However, no one should ever be put in a position where they have to decide between changing their guardianship and receiving financial aid in order to go to college.”

Senate Bill 195 is a direct response to previous public reports that Illinois students became eligible for need-based education financial assistance through the practice of "opportunity hoarding." Opportunity hoarding is the practice of exploiting a loophole in the Probate Act by transferring legal guardianship from a parent to a relative or friend in lower income brackets or by declaring financial independence.

According to ProPublica Illinois, the cost of tuition, fees and housing for full-time students at public universities in Illinois has doubled within the past 15 years.

These expenses pose a significant barrier for low-income households who are already struggling with the expenses of everyday necessities versus the wealthy who try to exploit financial assistance not meant for them.

“Providing more equitable paths to obtaining a college degree is of utmost importance,” said Villanueva. “We must help all students succeed, regardless of financial background.”  

Senate Bill 195 passed the Senate and moves to the House for further consideration.

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Senator Villanueva fights for college students to have access to emergency contraception

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to increase emergency contraception access on college campuses, State Senator Celina Villanueva championed a measure that would allow college students to purchase non-prescription wellness products at a reduced price in at least one wellness kiosk on each campus.

“Many college students are already facing financial hardships in college due to limited funding and a lack of resources,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “The last thing students need to be worried about is breaking their pocketbooks in order to get proper health care on campus.”

Senate Bill 1907 advances equal reproductive healthcare rights for students enrolled in public institutions of higher education, including those enrolled in community colleges. This legislation establishes the Public Higher Education Act, which would require public colleges, universities and community colleges to offer emergency contraceptives and other products at a reduced price in at least one wellness kiosk on each campus. A wellness kiosk, similar to a vending machine, would offer non-prescription items such as menstrual products, pregnancy tests, prophylactics and emergency contraception.

As emergency contraceptives can be difficult to obtain and need to be taken within a short window of time, this measure directly addresses students’ immediate needs. Organizations like the American Society for Emergency Contraception exclusively work to ensure that all college campuses have accessible and affordable emergency contraceptives available, as they understand the importance of equal healthcare resources being accessible for college students.

“We have to continue implementing legislation that will provide college students with affordable options on campuses in Illinois,” said Villanueva. “The well-being of college students is just as important as the well-being of all Illinois residents.”

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SB 1907 passed the Senate Executive Committee on Wednesday and heads to the Senate for further consideration.

Villanueva encouraged by proposed budget investments in housing and education

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva expressed her support Wednesday for the proposed investments to expand housing support, prepare children to be lifelong learners, and make schools more equitable.

 Among the proposals is a $350 million investment to target prevention of homelessness, provide crisis response, expand housing support and increase job opportunities for the homeless.

 “Underserved Latinx communities throughout Illinois continue to face immense disparities when it comes to receiving affordable and sustainable housing solutions,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “With homelessness on the rise and inflation costs plummeting, we need to take the necessary action to ensure that underserved communities have the proper resources and shelter they need to feel safe and secure.”

 The governor’s proposed budget also prioritizes education from preschool to college by increasing preschool availability, fully funding K-12 education and increasing allocations toward MAP Grants.

 “Education is a top priority of mine, and I am glad the budget proposal focuses on our state’s most vulnerable students,” Villanueva said. “Education is the foundation to success, growth and a brighter future.”

 Villanueva will negotiate a fair and equitable budget in the months to come.

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