Yesterday, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn (D) signed a bill into law that would require that medical staff, including physicians, physician’s assistants, nurses, medical technicians, social workers, and licensed counselors, at abortion clinics are included as mandated reporters under the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. Planned Parenthood of Illinois notes, that physician, physician’s assistant, registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, medical technician, social worker, and licensed professional counselor, were already mandated reporters “regardless of the type of facility they work in.”
The mandated reporters will be required to report suspected cases of abuse or neglect. Non-medical staff is also required to notify medical personnel if they suspect abuse.
The bill passed both the state Senate and House unanimously. Although abortion rights activists support the law’s intended aim of helping victims of child abuse, many are concerned that the law will deter under-age girls form seeking necessary health services out of fear of being reported by clinic staff.
