On June 28, Illinois removed testosterone and other hormone medications from their controlled substances list, ended data sharing of HRT prescription information, and mandated that insurers cover HRT stockpiles.
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The state also codified its self-ID policy for gender marker changes on state-issued identification.
All in all, the three bills make the following changes:
- Remove testosterone and other hormone based medications from the state’s controlled substances list and prescription data sharing processes. Effective immediately.
- Codify a self-identification process for gender markers across identification, including drivers licenses, statewide. Effective January 1, 2027.
- Require insurance coverage in the state to cover 6 months of hormone replacement therapy at a time. Effective January 1, 2027
Commenting on the bills, Illinois Lt. Gov Juliana Stratton said that “[a]s we close out Pride month, rest assured, we’re protecting your right to be you every day of the year.”
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When testosterone is made a controlled substance, as it is in the rest of the country, and most of the world, DIYing becomes illegal. It also severely restricts one’s ability to use it, even when prescribed by a doctor.
For some controlled substances, you have to take the medication in the presence of a licensed medical professional, as is the case for injectable testosterone in some parts of Canada and for some forms of testosterone in the United States.
Removing testosterone from the state’s controlled substances list is a huge benefit to trans men and transmascs. It removes the artificial restrictions on their HRT that have for decades made it harder to access this life-saving medication.
As for the codification of self-ID on drivers licences, the new statute ensures not only that anyone can self-select their sex/gender marker, but also ensures that such changes are fully confidential.
“An ID should never put someone in a vulnerable position”, said State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville). “This ensures people can safely and accurately reflect who they are.”
“LGBTQ+ people in Illinois are under no illusions about what is at stake right now. Across the country, lawmakers are attempting to strip rights, erase identities, and target our most vulnerable community members,” said Channyn Lynne Parker, CEO of Equality Illinois.
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According to a state government press release, not only are testosterone and estrogen now prevented from being controlled substances, they are also prevented from being placed on prescription monitoring registries, protecting their privacy. It also “prevents the addition of estrogen, mifepristone, and misoprostol to the monitoring program, preempting the misuse of personal details related to gender affirming and reproductive health care.”
Those monitoring programs share prescription information across over 30 states. Illinois will no longer share this information for transition and reproductive medicine.
While all of these changes are excellent, removing testosterone from the controlled substance list is a unique policy that many have wanted for years, but which has not been accomplished until now.
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