Big Turnout in Springfield to Protest Changes in Abortion Guidelines

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Published on March 20 2019 2:34 pm
Last Updated on March 20 2019 3:57 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

(LEGISLATORS INCLUDING ST. REP. BLAINE WILHOUR, ST. REP. DARREN BAILEY, AND ST. SEN. DALE RIGHTER WERE AMONG THOSE IN THIS PHOTO INSIDE THE STATE CAPITOL WEDNESDAY)

A capacity crowd gathered at the Illinois Capitol Wednesday to protest changes in state law concerning pro-life issues.

Jeff Michael of Effingham was among those at the Capitol with local St. Rep. Blaine Wilhour of Beecher City. Michael, who pastors Christ's Church in Effingham, said the main commons area in the building was filled with people and many were outside since there was no more space inside.

One measure being protested would repeal the requirement that a minor talk to her parent or guardian before getting an abortion. The measure is out of the House and was approved by a Senate committee Tuesday without Republican support.

The legislation would strike from state law the Parental Notification of Abortion Act of 1995, which requires a minor to inform her parent or guardian of her intent to get an abortion. Minors currently have an option to ask a judge for permission to get an abortion. Opponents say the measure places unnecessary burdens on young women seeking health care.

(A GROUP OF ST. ANTHONY SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE SEEN WITH ST. REP. DARREN BAILEY OF LOUISVILLE AT THE CAPITOL)

Local St. Sen. Jason Plummer of Edwardsville, said, "We're talking about the termination of a life, right? And so, for there to be maybe a hurdle or two there, I don't think as a society is necessarily the worst thing because we're talking about the termination of a heartbeat, and that's a significant concern of mine."

The other initiative would repeal Illinois' abortion law and replace it with what backers and detractors say would be the most progressive reproductive health legislation in the nation. It is Senate Bill 1942 and House Bill 2495.

The Catholic Conference of Illinois called the vote "tragic". The Conference statement noted "Current law makes it illegal for minors in Illinois to use an indoor tanning bed, buy cigarettes, alcohol or lottery tickets, or vote in an election. Are we to believe abortion is somehow less consequential than getting a tan?"