SPRINGFIELD – A new law purported to protect reproductive rights in Illinois might actually result in unintended circumstances that State Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) says could endanger vulnerable young women.

Signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker on Aug. 7, House Bill 5239 allows minors to sign and file applications under the state’s family planning program for lawful health care. The bill also makes information related to lawful health care, health records and location for patients confidential and exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.

Sen. Tracy says because the bill does not have an age limit, young women will have access to these reproductive services without the knowledge of their parents. And because the new law shields such information, law enforcement officials will be unable to work with other agencies, in and out of state, to protect young women from sexual predators and criminals.

“It’s bad enough that minor children are able to receive such services without their parents knowing about such critical decisions,” Tracy said. “However, the confidentiality aspect of House Bill 5239 can also shield bad actors who are involved in human trafficking or prostitution and can now bring young females to Illinois for abortion or reproductive services.”

No Republican Senators supported the passage of House Bill 5239.

“What is interesting is that I have had lobbyists tell me that they had not considered the potential for bad actors moving in when such activities are not reportable to parents or authorities,” Tracy said.

House Bill 5239 has an immediate effective date.