Public News Service

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the greatest number of Illinois female voters are between the ages of 55 and 64. (Adobe Stock)

IL women voters continue to outpace male counterparts

A Democratic woman of color is vying against an embattled former Republican president in this year's historic Nov. 5 election and political analysts …

A National Abortion Federation report revealed in 2021, nationwide incidences of stalking at abortion clinics rose by 600%. Assault and battery cases increased by 128%. (Adobe Stock)

IL lawmakers boost funding for Planned Parenthood

The Illinois General Assembly has just passed a $53 billion state budget which includes a boost in funding for Planned Parenthood. Reproductive …

Experts recommend women seek screenings at facilities certified as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence. (Adobe Stock)

Brem Foundation announces new breast cancer screening tool

October has been Breast Cancer Awareness Month and in the wake of a recent study showing an increase in the incidence of cancer at younger ages…

Advocates are pushing Illinois lawmakers to pass

Advocacy groups push IL lawmakers to pass domestic violence firearms bill

Domestic violence and gun violence prevention advocates are urging the Illinois General Assembly to pass a bill to strengthen state laws protecting pe…

The CDC reported Maternal death rates in the United States rose from 2018 to 2021, noting more than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. (Adobe Stock)

CDC: 1 in 5 Women in IL, US Report Mistreatment During Maternity Care

Women from some racial and ethnic minority groups are more likely to have negative health care experiences during pregnancy and delivery affecting qua…

The new Kids Count Data Book says 54% of 3- and 4-year-olds in the U.S. are not enrolled in preschool, which prepares young learners for elementary school. (New Africa/Adobe Stock)

Report: Childcare Biggest Challenge for IL Families

Having access to reliable, affordable, high-quality child care benefits both children and adults, but a new report said it is not the norm for …

Feeding Illinois, which operates a network of food banks across the state, says one in 12 Illinois residents struggles with food insecurity, including one in nine children. (Aaron Doucett/Unsplash)

Increased Work Requirements Mean Fewer SNAP Benefits for Ilinoisans

Almost 2 million people in Illinois receive SNAP food assistance, but several hundred thousand are expected to lose access to it at the end of …

The abortion drug mifepristone remains available in 19 states, including Illinois, while a pair of federal rulings are heard by a federal appeals court. (Adobe Stock)

Planned Parenthood IL: Abortion Pill Ruling a 'Political Stunt'

Women's health groups in Illinois and across the country are angered by a pair of federal court rulings last week on the abortion drug mifepristone…

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, about 9,700 abortions were provided for out-of-state residents in 2020, the most recent year such data is publicly available. (Adobe Stock)

With Roe Gone, Illinois Abortion Clinics Face Surge in Patients

With Roe v. Wade gone, Illinois is one of the few Midwestern states where abortions are still legal. Now the state's abortion clinics are bracing for …

According to the Pew Research Center, about 56% of Illinois residents believe abortion should be legal. (Adobe Stock)

Planned Parenthood of Illinois Braces for Potential Surge in Patients

As the future of abortion access is in limbo, Planned Parenthood of Illinois is preparing for a potential surge in patients from surrounding states…

carafem uses nondescript shipping boxes for mailing packages, in case folks are worried about neighbors or other members of a household finding out they are receiving abortion pills. (Melissa Grant/carafem)

IL Telemedicine Abortion Provider Aims to Allow Discretion, Break Stigma

By Carrie Baker for Ms. Magazine.Broadcast version by Lily Böhlke for Illinois News Connection reporting for the Ms. Magazine-Public News …

Illinois codified the right to abortion in June 2019. (gistavofrazao/Adobe Stock)

IL Reproductive-Rights Groups Protest Abortion Bans Before SCOTUS Session

CHICAGO -- Reproductive-rights advocates took to the streets across Illinois and the U.S. over the weekend to protest the new Texas law banning …

Studies say increased access to midwifery can improve maternal and infant health outcomes. (Monkey Business/Adobe Stock)

IL Groups Back Licensing for Certified Professional Midwives

CHICAGO - Illinois is one of 16 states that doesn't offer a pathway to licensure for certified professional midwives. On this International Midwives' …

One in five Black women in the U.S. is a survivor of rape, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. (Michele Paccione/Adobe Stock)

Spotlight on Black Women's Contributions to End Sexual Violence

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- During Sexual Assault Awareness Month, groups are raising awareness about Black women's contributions in the quest to end sexual …

Black people are especially under-represented on corporate boards of directors; 33 companies reported having zero African-American or Black directors. (fizkes/Adobe Stock)

Report: Diversity Lacking on IL Corporate Boards

CHICAGO -- Corporate boards of directors in Illinois have a way to go to achieve racial and gender parity in representation. In 2019, lawmakers …

Since 2016, McDonald's employees in the United States have filed more than 50 complaints of sexual harassment. (Fight for $15 and a Union)

Chicago McDonald's Workers File Sexual-Harassment Charges

CHICAGO - Three Chicago McDonald's workers have filed sexual-harassment charges with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, alleging unwanted …

In 2020, the Chicago area saw an employment drop of more than 30%. Thousands of the city's hospitality workers were laid off. (Unite Here Local 1)

Chicago Ordinance Would Bring Laid-Off Workers Back When Hotels Reopen

CHICAGO - Legislation pending before the Chicago City Council would require hotels to reinstate workers who were laid off because of the pandemic to t…

Illinois lawmakers passed the Reproductive Health Act in 2019 to ensure continued access to reproductive health, including abortion, regardless of federal court precedent. (Wikimedia Commons)

IL Clinics Prepare for More Patients if Roe v. Wade is Overturned

CHICAGO -- Reproductive health providers in Illinois are preparing for an influx of patients if the 6-3 conservative majority on the U.S. Supreme …

The League of Women Voters seeks to empower voters of all genders and political affiliations. (AdobeStock)

Key Defender of Democracy Marks 100th Year

CHICAGO -- August 26 will mark the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which guaranteed women the right to vote in the United States. And this …

More than 290 anti-abortion bills have been filed in 45 states this year. (traci1/Adobe Stock)

Illinois in National Spotlight for Defending Reproductive Health

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois state leaders are making moves this week to ensure women's rights to reproductive health care are protected…

Experts say Medicaid coverage is linked to better outcomes before, during and after pregnancy. (Studio Romantic/Adobe Stock)

Report: Medicaid the Ticket to Healthier Moms, Babies in IL

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A new report shows that since expanding Medicaid five years ago, Illinois has nearly cut in half its rate of women of …

Research suggests there might be 1 million victims of online romance scams in the United States. <br />(athree23/Pixabay)

Online Dating Scams and Money Mules: Adding Insult to Injury

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Having the wool pulled over your eyes by someone you love is one thing, but imagine unknowingly becoming an accomplice to …

Sexual harassment-related legal bills for businesses can result in lower pay for women. (Free-Photos/Pixabay)

Research Unveils Workplace Ramifications of Sexual Harassment

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - The global #MeToo movement has put a spotlight on sexual harassment and assault, and a new report calculates the economic impacts …

Correctional facilities assign incarcerated people to work as close to a regular day as possible, according to the Prison Policy Initiative. (Rennett Stowe/Wikimedia Commons)

Prison-Reform Advocates Urge Rauner to Sign Medical Co-Pay Bill

CHICAGO – It's been more than a month since legislation that would eliminate co-pays for doctor visits to prison inmates went to Gov. Bruce …

Winnebago County has launched an alert system to give domestic-violence victims prompt notice when an order of protection has been served, which could mean added protection from their abusers. (Pixabay)

Winnebago County Creates Domestic-Violence Alert System

ROCKFORD, Ill. - Winnebago County has launched a new automated system designed to alert domestic-violence victims when an order of protection they …

President Barack Obama signed an order establishing the White House Council on Women and Girls in 2009. (whitehouse.gov)

IL Lawmakers to Vote on Equality Issues

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Human rights dvocates are hoping legislation that would advance the voices of women and the LGBT community will make it as …

Safety experts say women who vacation alone should be observant of their surroundings at all times. (Ginny Seibert)

Solo Travelers Should be Observant for Thieves

SPRINGFIELD,Ill. – The weather has gotten warmer and many people are going on vacation, short road trips to nearby cities, or to visit state or …

Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., is one of many lawmakers calling for equal pay. (shareamerica.gov)

Illinois Women's Paychecks Still Lag Behind Men's

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – It takes women more than 15 months to earn what men earn in 12 – but pay inequality is not the only discrepancy …

More than 844 million people worldwide lack access to clean drinking water. (CDC.gov)

New Steps for Clean Water on Tap

CHICAGO – The 25th United Nations World Water Day is being recognized this week, and advocates are hoping the message that comes with it will …

An estimated 450,000 college students with disabilities have been sexual assault victims.<br />(womenshealth.gov)

Campuses Plagued by Sexual Assaults of Women with Disabilities

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Nearly one in three women with disabilities on college campuses has experienced sexual assault, according to a new report …

Women are most often affected by broken heart syndrome, which mimics a heart attack and can be fatal without prompt medical attention. (Virginia Carter)

A Valentine's Day Warning About the Heart

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - As many celebrate Valentine's Day, some people are head-over-heels in love while others experience heartache. That leads to the …

It's recommended women get a Pap smear test starting at the age of 21. (womenshealth.gov)

Get a Pap Test for Cervical Health Awareness

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — According to the National Cancer Institute, cervical cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in women in their 2…

Marchers across the globe hope to empower more women to run for political office. (marchtothepolls.org)

Women Across Globe March on Polls

CHICAGO – Those trying to call attention to issues such as health care, immigration and women's rights will be filling hundreds of cities …

The number of homeless young women, in Illinois and across the country, has been on the rise. (health.gov)

Agency Launches 24/7 Services to Help Homeless Youth

PARK RIDGE, Ill. -- A program that helps homeless young women in Illinois is taking a new approach with the new year. The Harbour began in 1971 and …

$Children at a school in Enfield, the town where Illinois regulators approved a fracking permit this year. A new study links fracking to low birth-weight infants. (il.gov)$

Study: Fracking Linked to Low Birth-weight Babies

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Pregnant women living next to fracked gas wells are more likely to have a low birth-weight baby - that's the finding in a …

Harassment is in the spotlight in Hollywood and in the Illinois Capitol. (illinois.gov)

IL Lawmakers to Attend Sexual-Harassment Awareness Training

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State lawmakers in Illinois will have to attend sexual harassment awareness training. This after Majority Caucus Chair Ira …

A new crowdsourcing tool offers new moms help to get time off from work. (cdc.gov)

Effort Under Way to Help New Moms Get Time Off Work

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Internet is helping new moms take more time off from work after giving birth or adopting a child. The crowd sourcing …

Several groups in Illinois are encouraging more women to run for office. (il.gov)

Grassroots Movement to Put First Female Governor in Office

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – There's an effort underway to get more women to run for political office in Illinois. She Votes Illinois is a grassroots …

A new report says a Latina woman would have to earn two additional college degrees in order to have median earnings similar to a white man. (Kiyana Paul)

Latinos Attend College, Still Struggle in Job Market

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – More Latinos are going to college, but they're losing ground in the labor market, according to a new report from the …

Studies have shown women pay more than men for services such as dry cleaning for comparable items. (cdc.gov)

New Illinois Law Targets Gender-Based Price Discrepancies

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - It soon will no longer be OK in Illinois to charge women more than men for services such as dry cleaning and salon appointments…

Working together can help women eat right and exercise more. (Amber Collier)

Team Effort Encouraged for Women's Health

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Women are being urged to make their own health a priority during National Women's Health Week. This week marks the 18th …

Lawmakers are being asked to advance progressive legislation at the Capitol on Tuesday. (era.org)

Illinois Women to March on Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Women will be making their voices heard at the state Capitol Tuesday. The Illinois Women March on Springfield is being …

Women are being encouraged to skip work today to call for gender equality and a fair economy for all. (Fair Economy Illinois)

Illinois Women Ditching Work, Wearing Red Today

CHICAGO – Many workplaces might be short staffed today because employees across the globe are taking today off to speak out about the plight of …

A letter to President Donald Trump asks that he promote science education, and champion policies that allow more women to pursue scientific careers. (500womenscientists)

Thousands of Women in Science, Technology Sign Letter to Trump

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A movement that started among friends concerned about how women were sometimes labeled and treated during the presidential …

A bill by State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz would remove an automatic abortion trigger in Illinois law. (staterepsara.com)

Roe vs. Wade Trigger Law Under Microscope in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Reproductive health care advocates are urging Illinois lawmakers to approve legislation that would repeal a Roe v. Wade "trigger …

Pregnant women are encouraged to eat a moderate amount of fish under new federal guidelines. (CDC)

New Guidelines Out for Eating Fresh Fish

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Good news for people who love fresh fish. Two U.S. agencies have released new advice on how much and which types of fish …

Thousands participated in marches for human rights in Illinois this weekend, and were urged to stay involved in their communities and in politics. (V. Carter)

Illinois Women Make Their Voices Heard

CHICAGO -- Illinois had one of the largest Women's Marches in the country over the weekend, and organizers say their next goal is to make sure the …

Young Illinois women are hoping to raise enough money to go to Washington, D.C., later this month. (womensmarch.com)

Illinois Teens Aim to Attend Washington Women's March

CHICAGO -- There's an effort underway in Illinois to get young women more involved in the political process. The Women's March on Washington will …

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