Governor Quinn Statement on Senate Passage of Legislation to Protect Pregnant Women

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn today released the following statement regarding Illinois Senate passage of House Bill 8, an important bill strongly supported by the Governor to provide job protections for pregnant women. This legislation will protect moms-to-be in the workplace.

"It's a great day for expectant mothers in Illinois. Women in Illinois will no longer be forced to choose between having a job and having a baby.

"This is a landmark bill that will end a common but often overlooked form of workplace discrimination. The accommodations contained in this bill are simple, proper and definitely needed. They give employees peace of mind and will lead to healthier mothers and babies. And they make Illinois a better place for our moms-to-be.

"I commend sponsors State Representative Mary Flowers and State Senator Toi Hutchinson for championing this cause and all the legislators who worked to pass this important legislation.

"I look forward to signing this bill to continue the progress we've made to protect and empower women in Illinois."

House Bill 8 has passed both chambers of the General Assembly, but needs to be voted on one last time by the Illinois House to approve minor technical changes made in the Senate.