SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) released the following statement after the Youth Health and Safety Act passed the Senate Tuesday:

“The Youth Health and Safety act will modernize and improve the path for young women by protecting their personal reproductive health decisions. This measure is focused on people that are living very complex lives and often have been victims of incest, rape, sexual abuse and domestic violence.

“Sadly, many of these young women are unable to turn to their parents for support in fear of losing housing, education and financial support. This measure would lift young women up by removing barriers and ensuring safe, thoughtful reproductive decisions. 

“The original 1995 Parental Notification Act is both cruel and outdated. Today, with the Youth Health and Safety Act, all of that changes.”