In August 2007, the legislature passed Public Act 095-0445, allowing for the creation of up to 10 freestanding birth centers throughout the state. This marked the culmination of 20 years of advocacy by Health & Medicine and our partners. These centers will provide cost-effective, high-quality prenatal and obstetrical services, giving women an additional option when choosing where to give birth. We are now preparing for the next phase of work on this issue: working with the Illinois Department of Public Health to write rules and regulations, and with health care organizations to help establish the centers.