Avelar Named to Reproductive Health House Working Group

BOLINGBROOK, Ill. — State Rep. Dagmara “Dee” Avelar, D-Bolingbrook, will lead an effort to
protect and expand reproductive rights and prevent other loss of critical freedoms as a member of the
new House Reproductive Health and the Dobbs Decision House Working Group.

“I am grateful to Speaker Welch for naming me to the House Reproductive Health and the Dobbs
Decision Working Group. Although the right to an abortion remains enshrined in Illinois state law, I
recognize that we must strengthen protections for and expand access to reproductive health care,”
Avelar said. “As we learn to navigate a post-Roe world, I look forward to working with my colleagues
to find meaningful legislative solutions to the serious issues women, people who may become
pregnant, LGBTQ people and other marginalized communities continue to face under the Dobbs
decision.”

Avelar and House Democratic colleagues on the working group will be tasked with collaborating with
stakeholders to address reproductive health and other issues related to the U.S. Supreme Court
Decision Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade and the
constitutionally protected right to an abortion. The working group will also address many of the rights
established by the recognition of the right to privacy, such as marriage equality and access to
contraception.

“Illinois has strong laws protecting the rights and wellbeing of women, people who may become
pregnant and LGBTQ-identifying individuals, but in uncertain times like these, we must shore up these
protections,” said Avelar. “My colleagues and I are dedicated to making sure Illinois is a place where
people of all backgrounds can live and thrive, and I am eager to begin this important work.”