Illinois Lawmakers Make AIDS a Priority in
2003 Legislative Session

Chicago, IL - The Illinois General Assembly approved a record number of HIV-related bills this year aimed at lowering new HIV infections and assisting those living with HIV.

"We applaud members of the 93rd Illinois General Assembly for advancing legislation that will help the people of our state address the AIDS crisis," said Mark Ishaug, AFC executive director.

Overall, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) tracked 16 pieces of legislation and nearly a dozen budgetary items. For a full account of the bills AFC tracked this year, download AFC's 2003 legislative report.

Considered a landmark victory by AIDS advocates and public health officials, the Illinois House passed on May 13 legislation allowing adults to purchase and possess syringes without a prescription. According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 2 new HIV infections result from injection drug use or sexual contact with an injection drug user. By providing injection drug users with sterile syringes, the legislation will save the lives of thousands of drug users, their partners, and their children from HIV, hepatitis C, and other blood-borne diseases. The measure passed the Illinois Senate on March 24 and now awaits action by Governor Rod Blagojevich.

To address the disproportionate impact of HIV on minority communities, Illinois lawmakers restored $2 million in funding for HIV prevention services in communities of color, and increased the appropriation by an additional $1 million. These funds will help provide essential HIV prevention education in communities hardest hit by the epidemic. Former Governor George Ryan had eliminated the funding during the 2002 legislative session.

The General Assembly also passed the Perinatal HIV Prevention Bill, which requires healthcare workers to provide pregnant patients HIV counseling and offer them HIV testing if their HIV status is unknown. After the baby is born, healthcare workers must also provide the parents or guardians HIV counseling if the mothers' HIV status remains unknown and conduct HIV testing of the newborn, unless the parents or guardians refuse in writing.

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The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) is Illinois' principal advocate for people living with and at risk for HIV disease. Established in 1985 to provide central leadership in the fight against the epidemic, AFC promotes sound HIV/AIDS public policy, funds HIV/AIDS prevention and care projects, and through its Service Providers Council, helps to coordinate the delivery of essential HIV/AIDS services.

2003 Legislative Report