In 2005 the Restroom Access Act, commonly known as Ally's Law, was unanimously passed into law in Illinois. Under the law, generally, people with Crohn’s disease, overactive bladder or other medical conditions that may cause an immediate need for the restroom, are granted access to any restroom, even if it is not designated for public use. Ally took the first step. Now it’s time for us to spread Ally’s Law across the country. And we need your help. Check back this summer to get updates on the following:

• The progress of Ally's Law in all 50 states.
• If you live in one of the 12 states where Ally's Law is currently pending, we'll provide tools to help you write a letter asking your local representative to vote for it to become law.
• A "Spread the Word" function that will allow you to let your friends and family know about Ally's Law and how they can help.

The Restroom Access Act is commonly called Ally's Law because it would not have become a reality without the determination of Crohn's patient, Ally Bain, and an impassioned Illinois State Representative, Kathleen Ryg. In 2004 Ally, then a 14-year old living in suburban Chicago, was shopping with her mother at a large retail store when her Crohn's disease triggered the immediate need to use the restroom. After a manager denied Ally access to the employee-only restroom, Ally had an unfortunate accident. Ally and her mom vowed that the indignity, humiliation and frustration that Ally endured that day should never be experienced by another Crohn's disease patient, and the restroom access legislation – Ally's Law – was born.

Watch Ally and her mother tell the story of Ally’s Law.

Learn more about Crohn’s disease.

Join the Crohn's & Me community and be alerted when our tools are available for you to help spread Ally's Law.