SPRINGFIELD –Expectant parents may begin to plan and prepare for their future when they learn they are pregnant. Sadly, some pregnancies end abruptly in stillbirth or miscarriage. The unimaginable loss can bring long-lasting trauma; inconsistent insurance coverage for professional mental health care can make treatment unaffordable. Care is inaccessible, and the suffering magnifies. To assist Illinois families in this situation, State Senator Linda Holmes’ law requires insurers to cover care for mental and emotional recovery for those suffering a miscarriage or stillbirth takes effect Jan. 1.

“Those who have faced the loss of an infant may cope with the trauma for the rest of their lives; it is often an overpowering shock,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “This unaddressed pain can trigger isolation, anxiety, stress and depression, and may lead to substance abuse.”

Miscarriage (pregnancy loss before 20 weeks) in the US occurs in about 10% to 20% of known pregnancies. Stillbirth (pregnancy loss after 20 weeks) is relatively uncommon, affecting approximately 1 in 150 pregnancies in the U.S.

Illinois law currently requires insurance to cover mental health, emotional, nervous or substance use disorder treatments. Come Jan. 1, Holmes’ law will explicitly add coverage for mental health services related to a miscarriage or stillbirth in addition to the benefits already required by law.

“We currently provide treatment for pregnant individuals through delivery, postpartum and neonatal care,” Holmes said. “Those reeling from miscarriage or stillbirth must be included for their recoveries as well.”

House Bill 5282 takes effect Jan. 1.