Wilhour Condemns Proposed Changes to Illinois Abortion Laws

The lawmakers held a press conference on the day thousands of pro-life activists showed up to Springfield to urge lawmakers to oppose the measures. Two measures, HB 2495 and HB 2467 have ignited a firestorm of controversy because of the extreme nature of the legislation.

House Bill 2495 makes dramatic changes to the state’s abortion laws, including allowing abortions for any reason throughout all nine months of pregnancy. Wilhour said the changes jeopardize any meaningful regulation of abortion clinics, and repeal any law prohibiting “kickbacks” for abortion referrals.

“House Bill 2495 is beyond reprehensible,” Wilhour said. “There is a reason why we have as a society opposed third-trimester abortions. These infants are nearly fully developed and are capable of feeling pain. In fact, 90 percent of premature babies born in the third trimester survive. What is being proposed is barbaric and not humane. I denounce this legislation in the strongest possible terms.”

House Bill 2467 would repeal the Parental Notice of Abortion Act of 1995, which the legislator says has been responsible for a reduction of more than 55% in abortions among Illinois minors since 2012.

“We do not allow minors to purchase tobacco products, to get tattoos, drive with too many of their friends in the car or to have a glass of beer even if it is their parents offering it to them,” Wilhour said. “But we are going to let minors make an important decision like having an abortion without even their parents knowing about it? Parents need to be involved in these decisions. If we can’t trust teens to drive a car with their friends – then why should allow them to make such an important life decision without their parents’ knowledge? This is a bad, bad idea.”

Both House Bill 2495 and House Bill 2467 have been sent to the Informed Consent Subcommittee, which is a subcommittee of the House Human Services Committee.