EverThrive Illinois applauds the leadership of Governor JB Pritzker, State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin), and State Representative Mary Beth Canty (D-Arlington Heights) in passing SB3136, the Family Recovery Plans bill. This law will create a statewide, multidisciplinary task force to design a model of family recovery plans for pregnant/postpartum people with substance use disorder (SUD) and their infants.
A family recovery plan is required by federal law and includes various services and providers to deliver maternal and infant healthcare, substance use disorder recovery services, mental health treatment, and referrals to community agencies/resources to ensure the safety and well-being of pregnant/postpartum people and their infants. The task force will also review and develop recommendations to replace punitive policies with family recovery plans to encourage pregnant women with SUDs to seek and stay in treatment and prenatal care.
The United States is the deadliest place to give birth among all developed nations. In Illinois, the leading cause of maternal death is substance use disorder. These deaths were all classified as preventable. As an organization advocating for legislation that eliminates health inequities and improves access to care, we know that this law is a step forward in addressing maternal and infant mortality in Illinois and increasing the opportunities for the preservation of the family.