In a vote May 31, the Illinois Senate approved legislation to expand abortion in the state. The Reproductive Health Act, SB 25, passed by the House May 28, now goes to Gov. JB Pritzker who has said he will sign it when it reaches his desk.
Pritzker released a statement hailing the bill’s passage in the House. “Illinois is making history, because our state will now be the most progressive in the nation for reproductive healthcare. In Illinois, we trust women to make the most personal and fundamental decisions of their lives — and now, that will be the law of the land, even as it’s under threat in other states.”
“No words can express the disappointment and heartache pro-life Illinoisans, like myself, are feeling,” said Ralph Rivera, spokesman for Illinois Right to Life Action, told the Chicago Sun-Times. “The incredible grassroots efforts of Illinois citizens who worked against this bill was astounding and makes it clear that we were in the majority.”
IBSA Executive Director Nate Adams sent an e-mail to Baptists in Illinois prior to the House vote urging them to consider contacting their local legislators. “With this legislation, the pro-life movement is in danger of suffering a major setback in Illinois,” he wrote. “In fact, this assault on the biblical value of life’s sanctity has reached an appalling low. While other states, including Missouri, Georgia, and Alabama have sought to limit or end abortion in recent weeks, many legislators here continue to push for removal of virtually all protections for the unborn. Now, before the State Senate concurs with the House’s unconscionable action, Illinois Baptists should speak up–while there’s still time.”
The bill stalled in committee this spring following a large pro-life march and rally at the Capitol in Springfield.
During debate on the House floor, the Sun-Times reported, Republicans gave much of their time to Rep. Avery Bourne, (R-Raymond), who is pregnant.
“We already know that we’ve got women coming to Illinois to have abortions because we are so expansive on this issue,” Bourne said. “That will continue.
“This bill is not about keeping abortion legal in Illinois. This is about a massive expansion that will impact viable babies. And that is wrong.”
The Reproductive Health Act legalizes abortion through nine months of pregnancy, requires all insurance to cover abortions, and allows nurse practitioners to perform abortions. The bill can be read here.