Pritzker’s order to promote state-funded abortions met with mixed reactions

Personal PAC leads "thank you" drive for Pritzker's EO

SPRINGFIELD – Governor J.B. Pritzker's effort to expand state-funded abortion services announced on the 46th anniversary of the Roe vs Wade decision legalizing abortion faced praise from the state's enthusiastic abortion supporters and criticism from pro-lifers.

“On the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, I’m proud to declare under my administration, the State of Illinois will be the most progressive state in the nation when it comes to guaranteeing the right to choose for every single woman,” Governor JB Pritzker said at a press conference.

The new governor issued an executive order Tuesday, ensuring that the abortion funding bill former Governor Rauner signed into law would be fully implemented. Illinois will now be pursuing expectant mothers that may be considering aborting their unborn, and informing them Illinois taxpayers will pay for the procedures.

"As bad as Governor Rauner’s actions were, the action taken today is even worse," State Rep. Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) said. "The State of Illinois is essentially saying not only are taxpayers going to pay for abortions, but we are going to aggressively work to find people who want taxpayer-funded abortions and make sure those abortions take place… This is a sad day in Illinois."

A lawsuit against HB 40 was appealed to the Illinois Supreme Court in December 2018 on behalf of Illinois taxpayers. HB 40, the Thomas More Society attorneys argue, was added without appropriate funding, leaving the budget unbalanced despite state constitutional requirements.The Illinois Supreme Court has yet to respond.

In contrast to Rep. Halbrook's criticism, Democrat lawmakers, abortion providers and advocates gushed over Governor Pritzker's executive order.

“Every woman should be able to make her own reproductive health decisions, regardless of her employment or income level,” said Sen. Heather Steans (D-7th), the Senate chief co-sponsor of HB 40. “We fought hard to pass legislation protecting this right, and I am glad we have a governor ready to enforce it.”

“Gov. Pritzker has been unflinchingly supportive of women and our right to safe, legal abortion,” said Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-12th), the House chief co-sponsor of HB 40. “Even before he was elected, Gov. Pritzker was in the trenches with us fighting for our rights and understood what it means to provide fairness and equity to women regardless of where they get their insurance. Today is further proof of his commitment to women’s rights and to keeping abortion safe and legal in Illinois."

Planned Parenthood of Illinois and abortion advocate Personal PAC celebrated Pritzker's executive order, saying Illinois is now an "oasis for reproductive health care" for Illinois and the states surrounding Illinois.

“With an ultra-conservative majority on the U.S. Supreme Court, it is more critical than ever that Illinois is led by a governor who is unequivocal in his support of reproductive rights," Planned Parenthood of Illinois' CEO Jennifer Welch said. "Our new governor’s commitment to reproductive freedom and the health care provided by Planned Parenthood has been steadfast for decades. I am confident that Governor Pritzker, and his entire administration, will protect Illinois as an oasis for reproductive health care, not only for Illinoisans, but for all people in surrounding states who must travel to receive the care they need.”
 
“Governor Pritzker has never wavered on a woman’s right to choose, and in one of his first acts in office, he’s committing to fully enforcing HB 40 to ensure all women have access to reproductive health care,” said Terry Cosgrove, president and CEO of Personal PAC. “ Illinois leads the nation when it comes to reproductive rights, and Gov. Pritzker will ensure it stays that way.”

Lake County Right to Life President Bonnie Quirke said Pritzker's actions were not a surprise.