Illinois leaders reaffirmed Wednesday that state law requires pregnant women to have access to the full range of life-saving care, including abortions, when they are in emergency rooms. [Health News Illinois]

The comments come as the Trump administration said this week it will rescind a federal requirement that hospitals provide emergency abortions to women whose health is in peril, including in states where abortion is restricted or banned.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said in its policy statement that hospitals would still be subject to a federal law requiring them to provide reproductive healthcare in emergencies, though it did not elaborate on what that means.

“This cruel action by the Trump administration creates confusion for healthcare providers and is one more example of how the Dobbs (v. Jackson Women's Health Organization) decision has diminished maternal health and healthcare for all women across the country,” Gov. JB Pritzker said in a statement.

Department of Public Health Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said they are working to ensure all Illinois hospitals are aware that a state law passed last year clarifies that life-saving treatment, including pregnancy termination, must be offered by providers. 

Those who do not comply can be penalized.

"Hospitals and healthcare providers have the responsibility to provide necessary healthcare to protect the life and health of everyone in a medical emergency, including abortions when warranted," Vohra said.

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