Reproductive care and treatment remain legal, protected and accessible in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD — Standing strong on the issue of safeguarding women’s health, State Senator Cristina Castro championed the effort to expand access to fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization through a measure signed into law Friday.

“Infertility affects millions of Americans, leaving thousands of hopeful parents in Illinois and across the United States unable to have a child on their own,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “The possibility of starting a family through advanced treatments like IVF represents hope for so many of these individuals – and this law takes steps to protect and expand access for the thousands who rely on it.”

To address cost barriers that limit access to treatments like IVF for families across the state, the new law requires every group health insurance policy to cover the diagnosis and treatment of infertility starting Jan. 1, 2026. It also adds coverage for an annual menopause health visit for those age 45 and older.

Illinois has become a national leader by establishing some of the most extensive laws protecting reproductive care in the country. Last year, Senate Democrats updated Illinois’ Reproductive Health Act to put in place additional protections for providers and people from other states seeking reproductive care, including IVF, in Illinois. In doing so, the law secured protections for assisted reproductive technology by making it a fundamental right pursuant to the Reproductive Health Act.

“This crucial coverage could not come at a more prudent time,” Castro said. “As other states take steps to restrict access to assisted reproductive technology, we are standing up to protect these services for those wanting to start or grow their family.”

Senate Bill 773 takes effect immediately.