Overview

Health & Medicine has long championed the value of freestanding birth centers (FBC) to provide cost-effective, high-quality prenatal and obstetrical services, offering women an additional option when choosing where to give birth in Illinois. For more than 30 years our Birth Center Task Force has provided policy expertise and leadership for the birth center movement in Illinois. In 1992, we worked to pass the necessary framework legislation to launch FBCs, the Alternative Health Care Delivery Act. In 2008, Health & Medicine helped to draft and pass Illinois’ FBC amendments to this framework, continuing to work with the Illinois Department of Public Health to develop appropriate regulations while also providing advice and guidance to groups working to open centers. This led to the opening of Illinois’ first FBC at PCC Community Wellness in Berwyn, Illinois in October 2014 and the opening of a second center in Bloomington in 2016. Our Birth Center Task Force remains committed to expanding birth options for Illinois families and welcomes requests for information and support. To join the Birth Center Task Force, please email Margie Schaps at mschaps@hmprg.org. Illinois FBC Legislation and Related Resources:

• Public Act 095-0445
• Administrative Rules
• Birthing Center Initial Licensure Application Jan 2012