MARYVILLE – To streamline the detection process and determine hereditary risks for breast and ovarian cancers in women, a new law by State Senator Rachelle Crowe requires insurance companies to cover the cost of genetic testing kits.

“Early detection through genetic testing is essential for women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancers,” said Crowe (D-Glen Carbon). “By offering genetic testing at no cost, Illinois can offer comfort and stability to individuals who are at the most risk.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the genes most commonly detected in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer are the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. About 3% of breast cancers, approximately 7,500 women per year, and 10% of ovarian cancers, an estimated 2,000 women per year, result from inherited mutations.

Read more: At-risk women to have insurance coverage for genetic testing kits under new Crowe law

SPRINGFIELD – To offer support to mothers who are survivors of sexual abuse during childbirth, State Senator Rachelle Aud Crowe passed a law to allow parents to remove the physician’s name from a copy of the child’s birth certificate.

“When giving birth, women trust their physician to offer support, guidance and encouragement on one of the happiest, most memorable days of her life,” said Crowe (D-Glen Carbon). “Unfortunately, there are several cases where mothers endure sexual assault and abuse in the process, and this law works to remove the disgraced physician’s name from a copy of the child’s birth certificate.”

In Illinois, the short form birth certificate does not include the physician’s name. Under Crowe’s proposal, a parent or adult-age child can request a long form birth certificate with the physician’s name removed. The redacted certified copy of the birth certificate does not replace the original certificate.

Read more: New law by Crowe offers support to mothers who endure sexual abuse during childbirth

MARYVILLE – With support from State Senator Rachelle Aud Crowe, 70 Metro East businesses were awarded a combined $2.6 million from the Back to Business grant program.

“We’re starting to see businesses move forward from the COVID-19 pandemic, however, there are still some needing support to fully recover,” said Crowe (D-Glen Carbon). “The Back to Business grant program has been instrumental in supporting thousands of small businesses across Illinois.”

Under the latest round, six small businesses in the 56th District were added to the grantees list and awarded a combined $180,000. DCEO has provided $250 million in B2B grants – thanks to strong support from Senator Crowe – to small businesses throughout the state, with an emphasis on hard hit sectors, such as hotels, restaurants, bars, barbershops and salons, and disproportionately impacted areas.

Read more: Metro East businesses receive $2.6 million with Crowe support

COLLINSVILLE – The Southern Illinois Law Enforcement Commission held its annual awards banquet Thursday evening, and State Senator Rachelle Aud Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) was honored with the Presidential Award as a nod to her support and advocacy for law enforcement officers throughout the state.

“SILEC works to provide its local law enforcement departments with high-quality, cost-effective training programs to ensure officer safety,” Crowe said. “It’s my distinct privilege to accept the Presidential Award, and I look forward to continuing our partnership to protect our police and community members in downstate.”

Photo attached. Caption: Sen. Rachelle Crowe accepts SILEC’s Presidential Award from Director David Hayes.