Illinois state Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-8) on May 31voted for a measure that will bring sweeping changes to the state’s abortion laws.

Signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker on June 12, the Reproductive Health Act will make abortions a fundamental right, repealing the Illinois Abortion Law of 1975, including eliminating waiting periods, the requirement for spousal consent, certain restrictions on where abortions can be performed and criminal penalties for doctors who perform abortions. The measure also states  that a “fertilized egg, embryo or fetus does not have independent rights.” 

Critics of the bill such as Illinois Right to Life claim the bill goes too far and “jeopardizes enforcement of the parental notice of abortion act.”

District 8 includes all or parts of Chicago's Albany Park, Arcadia Terrace, Brynford Park, Budlong Woods, Edgebrook, Forest Glen, Hollywood Park, Independence Park, Jefferson Park, Mayfair, North Mayfair, North Park and North Town in addition to Skokie, Morton Grove, Lincolnwood, Niles and Glenview.