Statements from Pritzker, Wilhour, Bailey on Abortion Vote in Illinois House

Here are statements from local legislators and the governor on the vote.

GOVERNOR J.B. PRITZKER:

“As a lifelong advocate of a woman’s right to choose, I applaud the House for passing the Reproductive Healthcare Act and urge the Senate to take swift action on this critical piece of legislation. With reproductive healthcare under attack across the country, we must do everything in our power to protect women’s rights in Illinois. I thank the chief sponsor, Rep. Kelly Cassidy, for her steadfast resolve in advocating for women across the state and country by carrying this bill.  Today was a major step forward for every woman in this state and I look forward continuing my work as an ally by signing the Reproductive Healthcare Act into law.”

STATE REPRESENTATIVE BLAINE WILHOUR:

“This is a dark day in the State of Illinois. The process that got us here is especially disappointing. This bill was not properly vetted in Committee. It was called in Committee with only a one-hour notice, which did not leave time for opponents to gather legal experts to dispute the language of the bill. A bill of this magnitude deserved a fair and honest hearing and that did not happen.

Because of the vague language in Senate Bill 25, we really don’t know what the full extent of this legislation will be when it is implemented and there was no effort from the sponsor to clearly define the bill either in committee or on the floor during debate.

This was a disrespectful and devious ploy on the part of the sponsor to advance a radical pro-choice agenda. This legislation opens the door to abortion on demand at any time during the pregnancy and it skirts around the parental notification laws.

Elections have consequences. This is what happens when the radical left takes over the General Assembly and voters need to remember this when they go to the ballot box.”

STATE REPRESENTATIVE DARREN BAILEY:

"All you have to do is look at the tally board to see where the votes came from…..from up north. I am looking forward to the days of truth and justice for the babies in the womb."