CHICAGO - A vote is expected Tuesday in the Illinois House on the Right of Conscience bill, which, if passed would require medical professionals to share with patients all their options for dealing with their conditions, even if the choices collide with the medical personnel's religious beliefs.
Two main groups that represent Catholic opinion on the issues are holding a "neutral" position on the legislation, saying they already do what the bill requires them to do. However, those Catholic groups are being challenged by those who are concerned the bill would force doctors, nurses, medical personnel and administrators to choose between their jobs and their personal beliefs.
The Illinois Catholic Health Association and the Catholic Conference of Illinois say they are neutral on the legislation - not for, not against.
The ACLU and Planned Parenthood are pushing for the passage of HB 1564. Illinois Family Institute is strongly opposed to it. Three Illinois Congressmen wrote to the Illinois General Assembly, warning that passing the legislation could endanger federal funding. Republican lawmaker and civil rights attorney Peter Breen wrote a letter to his House colleagues opposing it:
There are numerous reasons to oppose SB 1564, whether because the bill would violate federal law and risk our funding, or because it would force people and organizations to participate in abortions, or because it imposes new mandates on every health care provider in Illinois. Whatever your reasons, I urge you in the strongest possible terms to oppose this measure.
The bill has already passed the Illinois Senate, and Governor Rauner has not yet taken a public position on whether he would sign the legislation or veto it.
The Chicago Tribune supports the passage of HB 1564, it said in an editorial today. They don't see how the bill diminishes a part of the media-protecting First Amendment that protects the freedom of religion, while groups like Illinois Family Institute disagree.
"Pleasing everyone on a matter so fraught with controversy may be impossible, but this bill finds a good balance," the Tribune says, a position solidly on the side of the ACLU and Planned Parenthood.
