Illinois Human Rights Act Extends the Filing Period in 2025
The Illinois Human Rights Act safeguards individuals against unfair treatment based on race, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and other protected characteristics. The Act’s comprehensive coverage has made it a vital tool in promoting equity across the state.
With the passage of Public Act 103-0785, which took effect on January 1, 2025, the IHRA has expanded its protections to now prohibit discrimination based on one’s actual or perceived decisions on reproductive health.
Expanded Protections for “Reproductive Health Decisions” in 2025
As of 2025, the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA) has been expanded to provide stronger protections against workplace discrimination based on reproductive health decisions. This includes choices related to contraception, fertility treatments, sterilization, assisted reproductive technologies, miscarriage management, abortion, and prenatal, intranatal, or postnatal care. These expanded protections ensure that employees cannot be treated unfairly, harassed, or denied employment opportunities based on their personal reproductive healthcare decisions. Employers are prohibited from making hiring, firing, promotion, or other employment-related decisions based on an individual’s reproductive choices, reinforcing Illinois' commitment to workplace equality and privacy.
These protections apply to both prospective and current employees, ensuring that individuals seeking jobs are not subjected to discrimination during the hiring process. Employers must also avoid policies or practices that could indirectly disadvantage employees based on their reproductive health decisions. As part of compliance, businesses should review their workplace policies, update training programs, and ensure that management understands these expanded protections. Employees who believe they have faced discrimination under this provision can file complaints with the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) or pursue legal action. By strengthening these protections, Illinois continues to prioritize employee rights, privacy, and fair treatment in the workplace.
Learn More About the Illinois Human Rights Act with O’Malley & Madden, P.C.
While the IHRA does prohibit discrimination based on pregnancy, the 2025 amendment provides more expansive protections for employees and helps ensure that employers do not take adverse action against employees based on pro-choice or anti-abortion views or healthcare decisions.
For guidance on navigating the Illinois Human Rights Act or addressing civil rights matters, contact the Chicago, Illinois civil rights attorneys at O'Malley & Madden, P.C.
