Illinois High School Student Pushes for CPR Training Reform

Ashlynn Goldstein's bill aims to address gender bias in CPR education and improve emergency response.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 2:20pm

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A minimalist neon outline illustration depicting the motion of CPR, with two glowing figures against a dark background, conceptually representing the life-saving potential of comprehensive CPR education.A student-led initiative aims to address gender bias in CPR training and improve emergency response.Naperville Today

Ashlynn Goldstein, an 18-year-old graduating senior from Naperville Central High School in Illinois, has spearheaded a bill that would require high schools to include female CPR manikins in their training programs. The bill, which has passed the Education Policy Committee, seeks to address the issue that women are 27% less likely to receive life-saving CPR from bystanders due to a lack of training on female anatomy.

Why it matters

This legislation has the potential to improve emergency responsiveness and save lives by ensuring that all students, regardless of gender, receive comprehensive CPR training. The current gender bias in CPR education can lead to hesitation and inaction during real-world emergencies involving women.

The details

Ashlynn Goldstein noticed that students are almost exclusively trained on male CPR manikins, which can cause even certified individuals to hesitate when faced with a real-life emergency involving a woman. Her bill, House Bill 4788, sponsored by Rep. Maura Hirschauer, will require secondary schools to include at least one female manikin for every two male manikins in their CPR training programs starting in the 2028-29 school year.

  • Ashlynn Goldstein, a graduating senior, noticed the gender bias in CPR training.
  • House Bill 4788 has just passed the Education Policy Committee and will now go to the full House floor.

The players

Ashlynn Goldstein

An 18-year-old graduating senior from Naperville Central High School who has spearheaded a bill to address gender bias in CPR education.

Rep. Maura Hirschauer

The Illinois state representative who is sponsoring House Bill 4788.

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What they’re saying

“I think the biggest thing with this is that we need to not be afraid. We need to not hesitate in the real world.”

— Ashlynn Goldstein, High School Student

“[We] can start a conversation.”

— Ashlynn Goldstein, High School Student

What’s next

House Bill 4788 will now go to the full House floor for a vote.

The takeaway

This student-led initiative highlights the power of young people to drive meaningful change, even on critical public health issues. By addressing the gender bias in CPR training, Ashlynn Goldstein's bill has the potential to improve emergency responsiveness and save lives across Illinois.