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Legislature votes to expand abortion

June 1, 2019 By Illinois Baptist Staff

Update: The Illinois Senate voted 46-10 June 2 to legalize sports betting in Illinois.

On what was to be the last day of their spring session, Illinois lawmakers passed the Reproductive Health Act, which pro-life advocates say is among the most extreme abortion legislation in the nation.

“I am so, so sad for all of the pro-life people in our state who stood up to fight, but I cannot emphasize enough how this is not the end for us,” Illinois Right to Life executive director Mary Kate Knorr posted on social media. “The real fight happens in our house districts during election season.”

The bill, which stalled this spring following a large pro-life march and rally at the Capitol, will repeal several restrictions on abortion, including spousal consent and waiting periods, The Chicago Tribune reported. Gov. J.B. Pritzker has indicated he will sign the bill, tweeting Friday night, “Illinois is making history, because our state will now be the most progressive in the nation for reproductive health care.”

Lawmakers addressed several high-profile issues as session drew to a close (including legalization of recreational marijuana), and were forced into overtime on June 1. Late Saturday, the Illinois House approved legalized sports betting and expanded gaming, including a casino in Chicago. The measure now goes to the Senate, which will convene at 3 p.m. June 2.

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