Illinois Code § 17.7

§ 17.7.

Educational programming and information for pregnant committed persons. (a) The Illinois Department of Public Health shall provide the sheriff with educational programming relating to pregnancy and parenting and the sheriff shall provide the programming to pregnant committed persons. The programming must include instruction regarding: (1) appropriate prenatal care and hygiene; (2) the effects of prenatal exposure to alcohol and drugs on a developing fetus; (3) parenting skills; and (4) medical and mental health issues applicable to children. (b) Each sheriff shall provide informational materials concerning the laws pertaining to pregnant committed persons to any pregnant or postpartum individual. The Department of Public Health shall provide these informational materials to the warden or the sheriff at no cost to the county and the county may accept informational materials from community-based organizations specializing in the rights of pregnant committed persons. The informational materials must include information regarding: (1) the prohibition against the use of restraints; (2) rules concerning the treatment of pregnant committed persons, including those relating to bed height and supplemental nutrition; (3) the right to spend time with a child following delivery; (4) the requirement to provide educational programming; (5) all rights under the Reproductive Health Act; (6) the procedure for obtaining an abortion, if so desired; (7) the procedure for obtaining information about guardianship or adoption resources, if so desired; (8) any new or additional laws concerning the rights of pregnant committed persons; and (9) the address or contact information for community organizations specializing in the rights of pregnant committed persons for questions or concerns. (c) Each sheriff must also post informational flyers provided by the Department of Public Health wherever pregnant committed persons may be housed. (Source: P.A. 102-28, eff. 6-25-21; 103-745, eff. 1-1-25.)