Chicago, IL--Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton today announced she will join the Reproductive Freedom Coalition (RFC), a group of Lieutenant Governors and Second-In-Commands from 22 states and territories. They are united in their dedication to protect and broaden paths to reproductive rights and ensure equitable access to health care for all.

"This coalition is needed now more than ever, and I'm proud to be a part of it," said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. "There is a destructive movement in full swing in this country, hammering away at the rights that give people independence and a sense of wellbeing."

Right now, more than a dozen states have banned or severely restricted abortions. And there is legal action that seeks to block or limit abortion medication that has been used safely for years. Members of the Reproductive Freedom Coalition will stand on the frontlines, fighting against legislation and policies that harm while advocating for laws that protect reproductive rights.

"I expect my daughters to have more rights than I had, not fewer," said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. "We cannot go back. Future generations will be shaped by what we do today. Our states can and must lead the way, that's why in Illinois we fight back."

In 2019, the Reproductive Health Act was signed into Illinois law, repealing anti-abortion legislation, and expanding insurance coverage for reproductive health services. Illinois also passed an omnibus bill that protects abortion and shields gender-affirming care providers from legal attacks, while making it easier for more healthcare professionals to give reproductive care. Governor Pritzker continues to lead the charge by increasing Title X funding to help providers deliver services to a stream of out-of-state patients seeking care in a post Roe v. Wade America.

"Each of our states has individually advocated for impactful and innovative legislation to protect and expand access to women's health care," said RFC leader Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz of Connecticut. "And this coalition will work together to share best practices and fight together against those wishing to restrict access to essential care."
To date, members of the Reproductive Freedom Coalition are:

    Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes
    California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis
    Connecticut Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz
    Colorado Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera
    Delaware Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long
    Guam Lieutenant Governor Joshua Franquez Tenorio
    Hawaii Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke
    Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton
    President of the Maine Senate Troy Jackson
    Maryland Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller
    Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll
    Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist
    Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan
    New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver
    New Mexico Lieutenant Governor Howie Morales
    New York Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado
    Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan
    Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis
    Rhode Island Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos
    Vermont Lieutenant Governor David Zuckerman
    Washington Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck
    Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez